Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act

Key Points

• This bill would double the distance from the shore where U.S. customs laws are enforced. Currently, these laws apply up to 12 miles out, but this change would push that limit to 24 miles.
• The main goal is to give the Coast Guard and other agencies more space to catch smugglers and people trying to enter the country illegally. By extending the zone, authorities can stop suspicious boats further away from the coast.
• This change matches international standards and older presidential orders that already defined these outer waters for other purposes. It updates two major laws from the 1930s to make sure they use the new 24-mile limit.
• If passed, the new rules would start the day after the bill is signed into law. This would affect anyone traveling by boat near the U.S. coast, as they could be searched or stopped by customs officers in this larger area.

Impact Analysis

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