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Congress·Passed Both·3 months ago

Bill targets one-stop online maps for federal waterway access and fishing rules nationwide

Also known as: Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ House
✓ Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(5)
Small Business Owner
Neutral
Gig Worker
Neutral
Farmer Rancher
Neutral
Federal Employee
Neutral
Tribal Member
Neutral

Key Points

  • Creates one national standard so federal agencies collect and share water access and fishing rule data in the same way
  • Requires agencies to put clear online maps showing where boats, swimming, and other activities are allowed or restricted
  • Makes agencies post locations and open/close dates for boat ramps and fishing access sites, plus depth charts when possible
  • Puts federal fishing rules, like closed zones and gear limits, onto public maps that are updated quickly when rules change
  • Says this does not change who controls water or fishing rights and does not open or close any waters that are different from today
EnvironmentInfrastructureTransportationTechnologyConsumer Protection

Milestones

15 milestones26 actions
Dec 26, 2025

Became Public Law No: 119-62.

Dec 26, 2025

Became Public Law No: 119-62.

Dec 26, 2025

Signed by President.

Dec 26, 2025

Signed by President.

Dec 18, 2025House

Presented to President.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 30 months after the bill becomes law

Federal agencies create shared mapping/data standards for federal waterways

Over time, water access and restriction information is more likely to be consistent across different federal agencies instead of being scattered or formatted differently.

By 5 years after the bill becomes law

Online maps for federal waterway restrictions begin to be published

People can check a map before a trip for closures, speed/no-wake zones, motor limits, inspection/decontamination requirements, and what kinds of boats are allowed in each area.

By 5 years after the bill becomes law

Online maps for access points (ramps, portages, fishing sites) and open/closed dates are published

Trip planning gets simpler because you can see where legal access exists and whether a site is open on the day you want to go.

By 5 years after the bill becomes law

Fishing restriction maps (closures, no-take zones, gear limits, catch-and-release rules) are published

Recreational and commercial fishers can more easily follow the rules for specific spots, which can reduce accidental violations.

After data is first published, at least every 6 months

Regular updates to most waterway restriction and access data happen at least twice per year

Seasonal closures and changing site conditions should be refreshed often enough that people aren’t relying on years-old information.

After fishing restriction data is first published, ongoing

Fishing restriction changes are reflected online in real time as they take effect

Fishers get faster notice of new closures or gear limits, which can matter when rules change quickly during a season.

First report due within 1 year after the bill becomes law; then yearly through 03/30/2034

Annual progress reports are sent to Congress through March 30, 2034

The public and lawmakers get recurring check-ins on whether agencies are actually meeting the deadlines and keeping the maps updated.

Vote Results

1 vote
HousePassedProceduralJan 21, 2025

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended

413
0
Democrat
202 – 0 · 13
Republican
211 – 0 · 6
View full roll call

Related News

8 articles
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership·about 1 year ago

MAPWaters Act Heads to President's Desk for Signature

Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly for the MAPWaters Act of 2025, which would require Interior and the Forest Service to create unified online maps of where boating, swimming and fishing are allowed on federal waterways.

C+
Outdoor Life·about 1 year ago

The Federal Government Is About to Make Public Waterway Rules Way Less Confusing

Marine industry groups praised the MAPWaters Act for directing Interior and the Forest Service to publish consistent online maps of ramps, channels and restricted areas, helping boaters navigate federal waters.

CR+
National Parks Traveler·about 1 year ago

MAPWaters Act Would Digitize Information On Federal Waterways, Improving Access

Field & Stream breaks down how the MAPWaters Act of 2025 would create a national standard for mapping federal water access, outlining how quickly ramp openings, seasonal closures and gear restrictions must be updated online.

CR+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

MAPWaters Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 187
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionPassed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(3)
D: 2R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.