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H.R. 3786 103rd Congress House

Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Act of 1994

Official title: To amend title 46, United States Code, to establish requirements to ensure safe operation of recreational vessels, to require allocation of State recreational … Show full official titleShow less

Official title: To amend title 46, United States Code, to establish requirements to ensure safe operation of recreational vessels, to require allocation of State recreational boating safety program assistance based on State adoption of laws regarding boating while intoxicated, and for other purposes.

Introduced: February 3, 1994 See on congress.gov
Transportation and Public Works Accident preventionBoating accidentsBoats and boatingCongress
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This bill died when the 103rd Congress ended
It never became law before the 103rd Congress (1993–1994) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 18 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Mar 23, 1994
Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Mar 21, 1994
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Mar 21, 1994
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Mar 21, 1994
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Mar 21, 1994
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Mar 21, 1994
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1607-1608)
Mar 21, 1994
Mr. Studds moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Mar 21, 1994
Reported by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H. Rept. 103-445.
Mar 21, 1994
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 247.
Feb 23, 1994
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Feb 23, 1994
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Feb 8, 1994
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee.
Feb 8, 1994
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Feb 7, 1994
Executive Comment Requested from DOT.
Feb 7, 1994
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Navigation.
Feb 3, 1994
Referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Feb 3, 1994
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E111)
Feb 3, 1994
Introduced in House
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 Latest action March 23, 1994

Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Act of 1994 - Amends Federal boating safety law to prohibit a person from operating a recreational vessel under 26 feet in length unless each individual 12 years or younger wears a personal flotation device while on the vessel's deck. Declares that such prohibition shall not be construed to limit a State's authority to establish more stringent requirements for the wearing of personal flotation devices on recreational vessels.

Sets forth a formula for the allocation of State recreational boating safety program funds based upon State adoption of laws prohibiting the operation of recreational vessels while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit to specified congressional committees a plan to increase reporting of vessel accidents to appropriate State law enforcement officials. Establishes penalties for violation of reporting requirements.

Declares that any individual operating a recreational vessel in a negligent manner shall complete a boating safety course approved by the Secretary.

Declares that any person operating a recreational vessel in violation of Federal shipping code recreational boating provisions may be ordered to complete a qualified recreational boating safety course.

 Related & companion bills 2
  • HR 4422 Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1994
  • HR 4852 Oceans Act of 1994
 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 3786: Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Act of 1994. 103rd Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-3786/
MLA
"H.R. 3786: Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Act of 1994." 103rd Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-3786/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 3786, 103rd Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-3786/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 3786: Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Act of 1994](https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-3786/)
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