Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
Latest action (14 Sep 2026): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
S. 759, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, directs the Secretary of Commerce to standardize and publicly publish geospatial data about recreational and fishing access to federal ocean waters. Within 31 months, the Secretary must develop data standards, in consultation with state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations, for information on fishing restrictions and recreational boating access in the exclusive economic zone. Within four years, the Secretary must launch a publicly accessible website showing where fishing restrictions, marine protected areas, and vessel-use limits apply, along with navigation and depth data, updated periodically and, for certain items, in real time. The site must allow public comment and be designed for easy public use.
The bill primarily affects recreational boaters, anglers, divers, and federal agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, which will compile and maintain the data. It exempts sensitive information, including archaeological sites, tribal waters, and proprietary commercial fishing data, from disclosure. The Act does not alter existing legal definitions of navigable waters, agency authority over fisheries or waterways, or tribal treaty rights.
The bill has passed both the Senate and House and now awaits the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was passed by Congress on September 14, 2026 and goes to the President next.
Timeline
14 Sep 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
10 Sep 2025
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
12 Mar 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 759 do?
- S. 759, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, directs the Secretary of Commerce to standardize and publicly publish geospatial data about recreational and fishing access to federal ocean waters. Within 31 months, the Secretary must develop data standards, in consultation with state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations, for information on fishing restrictions and recreational boating access in the exclusive economic zone. Within four years, the Secretary must launch a publicly accessible website showing where fishing restrictions, marine protected areas, and vessel-use limits apply, along with navigation and depth data, updated periodically and, for certain items, in real time. The site must allow public comment and be designed for easy public use. The bill primarily affects recreational boaters, anglers, divers, and federal agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, which will compile and maintain the data. It exempts sensitive information, including archaeological sites, tribal waters, and proprietary commercial fishing data, from disclosure. The Act does not alter existing legal definitions of navigable waters, agency authority over fisheries or waterways, or tribal treaty rights. The bill has passed both the Senate and House and now awaits the President's signature to become law.
- Has S. 759 become law?
- Not yet. As of 14 Sep 2026, S. 759 is passed house & senate (president next).
- Who sponsored S. 759?
- S. 759 was sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz [R-TX] (Republican-TX), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 759?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (14 Sep 2026).
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