Congressional Legislation · bill 119hr187 · built from our database

Both sides have signed this (Bill Ranking)

MAPWaters Act of 2025

H.R. 187 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

H.R. 187119TH CONGRESSINTRODUCED 01/03/2025REP. MOORER-UT · SPONSORLeft: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean left: no (Sponsor Ranking)Center: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean right: DW-NOMINATE +0.37 (Sponsor Ranking)Right: no (Sponsor Ranking)LEAN RIGHT(SPONSOR RANKING)PUBLIC LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES

4 members · Left 2 · Center 0 · Right 2 (Bill Ranking)

SponsorRep. Moore, Blake D. (R-UT) (Introduced 01/03/2025)
Sponsor Voting RecordLean right · DW-NOMINATE +0.37 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking)
Support
LLLCLRR

support across the spectrum: 4 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once

CommitteesSenate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Senate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee; House - Agriculture Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee
Latest Action12/26/2025 Became Public Law No: 119-62.
Roll Call Votes1
Sourceview on congress.gov →

Public Law: Public Law 119-62

IntroducedPassed HousePassed SenateResolving DifferencesTo PresidentBecame Law

Summary (2)

Public Law (12/26/2025)

Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act or the MAPWaters Act of 2025 or the MAPWaters Act of 2025

This act directs the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to standardize and publish data relating to the public's access to federal waterways for recreational use.

(Sec. 3) The Forest Service and Interior must jointly develop and adopt interagency standards for data collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational access of federal waterways and federal fishing restrictions. The standards must ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable federal databases with respect to collection and dissemination of such data.

(Sec. 4) Within five years, the Forest Service and Interior must also digitize and make publicly available online certain geographic information system data about (1) federal waterway restrictions, (2) federal waterway access and navigation information, and (3) federal fishing restrictions. They must also update the data about waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation information at least twice per year. Data about fishing restrictions must be updated in real time as changes go into effect.

The Forest Service and Interior must also develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the data regarding waterway restrictions, waterway access, and navigation information.

The requirements under this section do not apply to irrigation canals and flowage easements.

(Sec. 5) To carry out the act, the Forest Service and Interior may (1) coordinate and partner with nonfederal agencies, private entities, and nonprofit partners; and (2) enter into agreements with third parties.

The Forest Service and Interior may work with the U.S. Geological Survey to collect, aggregate, digitize, standardize, and publish data on their behalf.

(Sec. 6) The Forest Service and Interior must annually report to specified congressional committees on their progress in meeting the requirements of this act.

Text (4)

Engrossed in House (EH)

119 HR 187 EH: Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 187

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To provide for the standardization, consolidation, and publication of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways among Federal land and water management agencies, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 or the MAPWaters Act of 2025.

2.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)Federal fishing restrictionThe term Federal fishing restriction means a defined area in which all or certain fishing activities are temporarily or permanently prohibited or restricted by a Federal land or water management agency. (2)Federal land or water management agencyThe term Federal land or water management agency means— (A)the Bureau of Reclamation; (B)the National Park Service; (C)the Bureau of Land Management; (D)the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and (E)the Forest Service. (3)Federal waterwayThe term Federal waterway means waters managed by 1 or more of the relevant Secretaries. (4)Federal waterway restrictionThe term Federal waterway restriction means a restriction on the access or use of a Federal waterway applied under applicable law by 1 or more of the Secretaries. (5)SecretariesThe term Secretaries means— (A)the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service; and (B)the Secretary of the Interior. (6)StateThe term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the United States.

3.Interagency data standardizationNot later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in coordination with the Federal Geographic Data Committee established by section 753(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (43 U.S.C. 2802(a)), shall jointly develop and adopt interagency standards to ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable Federal databases with respect to the collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational access of Federal waterways and Federal fishing restrictions.

4.Data consolidation and publication (a)Federal waterway restrictionsNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online, as applicable, geographic information system data that includes, with respect to Federal waterway restrictions— (1)status information with respect to the conditions under which Federal waterways are open or closed to entry or watercraft, including watercraft inspection, decontamination requirements, low-elevation aircraft, or diving; (2)the dates on which Federal waterways are seasonally closed to entry or watercraft; (3)the areas of Federal waterways with restrictions on motorized propulsion, horsepower, or fuel type; (4)the areas of Federal waterways with anchoring restrictions, no wake zones, exclusion zones, danger areas, or vessel speed restrictions; (5)Federal waterway restrictions on the direction of travel, including upstream or downstream travel; and (6)the uses, including by watercraft, that are restricted on each area of a Federal waterway, including the permissibility of— (A)canoes and other paddlecraft; (B)rafts and driftboats; (C)motorboats; (D)personal watercraft; (E)airboats; (F)amphibious aircraft; (G)hovercraft; (H)oversnow vehicles and other motorized vehicles on frozen bodies of water; (I)oceangoing ships; (J)swimming; and (K)other applicable recreational activities, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretaries. (b)Federal waterway access and navigation informationNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online, as applicable, geographic information system data that includes, with respect to Federal waterway access and navigation information— (1) (A)the location of boat ramps, portages, and fishing access sites under the authority of the Federal land or water management agency; and (B)the identification of the dates on which the facilities and sites identified under subparagraph (A) are open or closed, as applicable; and (2)bathymetric information and depth charts, as feasible. (c)Federal fishing restrictionsNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online geographic information system data that describes, with respect to Federal fishing restrictions— (1)the location and geographic boundaries of Federal fishing restrictions on recreational and commercial fishing, including— (A)full or partial closures; (B)no-take zones; and (C)Federal fishing restrictions within or surrounding marine protected areas; (2)Federal fishing restrictions on the use of specific types of equipment or bait; and (3)Federal requirements with respect to catch and release. (d)Public commentThe Secretaries shall develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the information described in subsections (a) and (b). (e)UpdatesThe Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall update— (1)the data described in subsections (a) and (b) not less frequently than 2 times per year; and (2)the data described in subsection (c) in real time as changes go into effect. (f)ExclusionThis section shall not apply to irrigation canals and flowage easements. (g)DisclosureAny geographic information system data made publicly available under this section shall not disclose information regarding the nature, location, character, or ownership of historic, paleontological, or archaeological resources, consistent with applicable law.

5.Cooperation and coordination (a)Community partners and third-party providersFor purposes of carrying out this Act, the Secretaries may— (1)coordinate and partner with non-Federal agencies and private sector and nonprofit partners, including— (A)State natural resource agencies; (B)Tribal natural resource agencies; (C)technology companies; (D)geospatial data companies; and (E)experts in data science, analytics, and operations research; and (2)enter into an agreement with a third party to carry out any provision of this Act. (b)United states geological surveyThe Secretaries may work with the Director of the United States Geological Survey to collect, aggregate, digitize, standardize, and publish data on behalf of the Secretaries to meet the requirements of this Act. (c)RequirementWith respect to data developed and distributed under this Act, the Secretaries shall— (1)develop the data in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Tribal laws (including regulations); and (2)include a notice that any geospatial data are subject to applicable Federal, State, and Tribal laws (including regulations). (d)Existing effortsTo the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned shall use or incorporate existing applicable data, maps, and resources in carrying out this Act, including data, maps, and resources developed and published under— (1)the Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act (16 U.S.C. 6851 et seq.); (2)section 103 of division DD of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (43 U.S.C. 776); or (3)other applicable law.

6.ReportsNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter through March 30, 2034, the Secretaries shall submit a report that describes the progress made by the Secretaries with respect to meeting the requirements of this Act to— (1)the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; (2)the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; (3)the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; (4)the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and (5)the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.

7.EffectNothing in this Act— (1)modifies or alters the definition of the term navigable waters under Federal law; (2)affects the jurisdiction or authority of State or Federal agencies to regulate navigable waters; (3)modifies or alters the authority or jurisdiction of Federal or State agencies to manage fisheries; or (4)authorizes or is intended to result in a change in the accessibility of waters open to hunting, fishing, or other forms of outdoor recreation as of the date of the enactment of this Act. Passed the House of Representatives January 21, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

Enrolled Bill (ENR)

HR 187 ENR: Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I One Hundred Nineteenth Congress of the United States of America At the First SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Friday, the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-five H. R. 187 AN ACT To provide for the standardization, consolidation, and publication of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways among Federal land and water management agencies, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 or the MAPWaters Act of 2025.

2.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)Federal fishing restrictionThe term Federal fishing restriction means a defined area in which all or certain fishing activities are temporarily or permanently prohibited or restricted by a Federal land or water management agency. (2)Federal land or water management agencyThe term Federal land or water management agency means— (A)the Bureau of Reclamation; (B)the National Park Service; (C)the Bureau of Land Management; (D)the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and (E)the Forest Service. (3)Federal waterwayThe term Federal waterway means waters managed by 1 or more of the relevant Secretaries. (4)Federal waterway restrictionThe term Federal waterway restriction means a restriction on the access or use of a Federal waterway applied under applicable law by 1 or more of the Secretaries. (5)SecretariesThe term Secretaries means— (A)the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service; and (B)the Secretary of the Interior. (6)StateThe term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the United States.

3.Interagency data standardizationNot later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in coordination with the Federal Geographic Data Committee established by section 753(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (43 U.S.C. 2802(a)), shall jointly develop and adopt interagency standards to ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable Federal databases with respect to the collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational access of Federal waterways and Federal fishing restrictions.

4.Data consolidation and publication (a)Federal waterway restrictionsNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online, as applicable, geographic information system data that includes, with respect to Federal waterway restrictions— (1)status information with respect to the conditions under which Federal waterways are open or closed to entry or watercraft, including watercraft inspection, decontamination requirements, low-elevation aircraft, or diving; (2)the dates on which Federal waterways are seasonally closed to entry or watercraft; (3)the areas of Federal waterways with restrictions on motorized propulsion, horsepower, or fuel type; (4)the areas of Federal waterways with anchoring restrictions, no wake zones, exclusion zones, danger areas, or vessel speed restrictions; (5)Federal waterway restrictions on the direction of travel, including upstream or downstream travel; and (6)the uses, including by watercraft, that are restricted on each area of a Federal waterway, including the permissibility of— (A)canoes and other paddlecraft; (B)rafts and driftboats; (C)motorboats; (D)personal watercraft; (E)airboats; (F)amphibious aircraft; (G)hovercraft; (H)oversnow vehicles and other motorized vehicles on frozen bodies of water; (I)oceangoing ships; (J)swimming; and (K)other applicable recreational activities, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretaries. (b)Federal waterway access and navigation informationNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online, as applicable, geographic information system data that includes, with respect to Federal waterway access and navigation information— (1) (A)the location of boat ramps, portages, and fishing access sites under the authority of the Federal land or water management agency; and (B)the identification of the dates on which the facilities and sites identified under subparagraph (A) are open or closed, as applicable; and (2)bathymetric information and depth charts, as feasible. (c)Federal fishing restrictionsNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online geographic information system data that describes, with respect to Federal fishing restrictions— (1)the location and geographic boundaries of Federal fishing restrictions on recreational and commercial fishing, including— (A)full or partial closures; (B)no-take zones; and (C)Federal fishing restrictions within or surrounding marine protected areas; (2)Federal fishing restrictions on the use of specific types of equipment or bait; and (3)Federal requirements with respect to catch and release. (d)Public commentThe Secretaries shall develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the information described in subsections (a) and (b). (e)UpdatesThe Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall update— (1)the data described in subsections (a) and (b) not less frequently than 2 times per year; and (2)the data described in subsection (c) in real time as changes go into effect. (f)ExclusionThis section shall not apply to irrigation canals and flowage easements. (g)DisclosureAny geographic information system data made publicly available under this section shall not disclose information regarding the nature, location, character, or ownership of historic, paleontological, or archaeological resources, consistent with applicable law.

5.Cooperation and coordination (a)Community partners and third-party providersFor purposes of carrying out this Act, the Secretaries may— (1)coordinate and partner with non-Federal agencies and private sector and nonprofit partners, including— (A)State natural resource agencies; (B)Tribal natural resource agencies; (C)technology companies; (D)geospatial data companies; and (E)experts in data science, analytics, and operations research; and (2)enter into an agreement with a third party to carry out any provision of this Act. (b)United states geological surveyThe Secretaries may work with the Director of the United States Geological Survey to collect, aggregate, digitize, standardize, and publish data on behalf of the Secretaries to meet the requirements of this Act. (c)RequirementWith respect to data developed and distributed under this Act, the Secretaries shall— (1)develop the data in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Tribal laws (including regulations); and (2)include a notice that any geospatial data are subject to applicable Federal, State, and Tribal laws (including regulations). (d)Existing effortsTo the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned shall use or incorporate existing applicable data, maps, and resources in carrying out this Act, including data, maps, and resources developed and published under— (1)the Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act (16 U.S.C. 6851 et seq.); (2)section 103 of division DD of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (43 U.S.C. 776); or (3)other applicable law.

6.ReportsNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter through March 30, 2034, the Secretaries shall submit a report that describes the progress made by the Secretaries with respect to meeting the requirements of this Act to— (1)the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; (2)the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; (3)the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; (4)the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and (5)the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.

7.EffectNothing in this Act— (1)modifies or alters the definition of the term navigable waters under Federal law; (2)affects the jurisdiction or authority of State or Federal agencies to regulate navigable waters; (3)modifies or alters the authority or jurisdiction of Federal or State agencies to manage fisheries; or (4)authorizes or is intended to result in a change in the accessibility of waters open to hunting, fishing, or other forms of outdoor recreation as of the date of the enactment of this Act. Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Introduced in House (IH)

119 HR 187 IH: Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives 2025-01-03 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 187IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 3, 2025Mr. Moore of Utah (for himself, Mr. Panetta, Mr. Fulcher, and Mrs. Dingell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo provide for the standardization, consolidation, and publication of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways among Federal land and water management agencies, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 or the MAPWaters Act of 2025.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Federal fishing restrictionThe term Federal fishing restriction means a defined area in which all or certain fishing activities are temporarily or permanently prohibited or restricted by a Federal land or water management agency.(2)Federal land or water management agencyThe term Federal land or water management agency means—(A)the Bureau of Reclamation;(B)the National Park Service;(C)the Bureau of Land Management;(D)the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and(E)the Forest Service.(3)Federal waterwayThe term Federal waterway means waters managed by 1 or more of the relevant Secretaries.(4)Federal waterway restrictionThe term Federal waterway restriction means a restriction on the access or use of a Federal waterway applied under applicable law by 1 or more of the Secretaries.(5)SecretariesThe term Secretaries means—(A)the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service; and(B)the Secretary of the Interior.(6)StateThe term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the United States.3.Interagency data standardizationNot later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in coordination with the Federal Geographic Data Committee established by section 753(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (43 U.S.C. 2802(a)), shall jointly develop and adopt interagency standards to ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable Federal databases with respect to the collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational access of Federal waterways and Federal fishing restrictions.4.Data consolidation and publication(a)Federal waterway restrictionsNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online, as applicable, geographic information system data that includes, with respect to Federal waterway restrictions—(1)status information with respect to the conditions under which Federal waterways are open or closed to entry or watercraft, including watercraft inspection, decontamination requirements, low-elevation aircraft, or diving;(2)the dates on which Federal waterways are seasonally closed to entry or watercraft;(3)the areas of Federal waterways with restrictions on motorized propulsion, horsepower, or fuel type;(4)the areas of Federal waterways with anchoring restrictions, no wake zones, exclusion zones, danger areas, or vessel speed restrictions;(5)Federal waterway restrictions on the direction of travel, including upstream or downstream travel; and(6)the uses, including by watercraft, that are restricted on each area of a Federal waterway, including the permissibility of—(A)canoes and other paddlecraft;(B)rafts and driftboats;(C)motorboats;(D)personal watercraft;(E)airboats;(F)amphibious aircraft;(G)hovercraft;(H)oversnow vehicles and other motorized vehicles on frozen bodies of water;(I)oceangoing ships;(J)swimming; and(K)other applicable recreational activities, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretaries.(b)Federal waterway access and navigation informationNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online, as applicable, geographic information system data that includes, with respect to Federal waterway access and navigation information—(1)(A)the location of boat ramps, portages, and fishing access sites under the authority of the Federal land or water management agency; and(B)the identification of the dates on which the facilities and sites identified under subparagraph (A) are open or closed, as applicable; and(2)bathymetric information and depth charts, as feasible.(c)Federal fishing restrictionsNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online geographic information system data that describes, with respect to Federal fishing restrictions—(1)the location and geographic boundaries of Federal fishing restrictions on recreational and commercial fishing, including—(A)full or partial closures;(B)no-take zones; and(C)Federal fishing restrictions within or surrounding marine protected areas;(2)Federal fishing restrictions on the use of specific types of equipment or bait; and(3)Federal requirements with respect to catch and release.(d)Public commentThe Secretaries shall develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the information described in subsections (a) and (b).(e)UpdatesThe Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall update—(1)the data described in subsections (a) and (b) not less frequently than 2 times per year; and(2)the data described in subsection (c) in real time as changes go into effect.(f)ExclusionThis section shall not apply to irrigation canals and flowage easements.(g)DisclosureAny geographic information system data made publicly available under this section shall not disclose information regarding the nature, location, character, or ownership of historic, paleontological, or archaeological resources, consistent with applicable law.5.Cooperation and coordination(a)Community partners and third-Party providersFor purposes of carrying out this Act, the Secretaries may—(1)coordinate and partner with non-Federal agencies and private sector and nonprofit partners, including—(A)State natural resource agencies;(B)Tribal natural resource agencies;(C)technology companies;(D)geospatial data companies; and(E)experts in data science, analytics, and operations research; and(2)enter into an agreement with a third party to carry out any provision of this Act.(b)United states geological surveyThe Secretaries may work with the Director of the United States Geological Survey to collect, aggregate, digitize, standardize, and publish data on behalf of the Secretaries to meet the requirements of this Act.(c)RequirementWith respect to data developed and distributed under this Act, the Secretaries shall—(1)develop the data in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Tribal laws (including regulations); and(2)include a notice that any geospatial data are subject to applicable Federal, State, and Tribal laws (including regulations).(d)Existing effortsTo the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned shall use or incorporate existing applicable data, maps, and resources in carrying out this Act, including data, maps, and resources developed and published under—(1)the Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act (16 U.S.C. 6851 et seq.);(2)section 103 of division DD of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (43 U.S.C. 776); or(3)other applicable law.6.ReportsNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter through March 30, 2034, the Secretaries shall submit a report that describes the progress made by the Secretaries with respect to meeting the requirements of this Act to—(1)the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives;(2)the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives;(3)the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;(4)the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and(5)the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.7.EffectNothing in this Act—(1)modifies or alters the definition of the term navigable waters under Federal law;(2)affects the jurisdiction or authority of State or Federal agencies to regulate navigable waters;(3)modifies or alters the authority or jurisdiction of Federal or State agencies to manage fisheries; or(4)authorizes or is intended to result in a change in the accessibility of waters open to hunting, fishing, or other forms of outdoor recreation as of the date of the enactment of this Act.

Referred in Senate (RFS)

119 HR 187 : Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 U.S. House of Representatives 2025-01-22 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IIB119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 187IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 22, 2025Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesAN ACTTo provide for the standardization, consolidation, and publication of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways among Federal land and water management agencies, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 or the MAPWaters Act of 2025.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Federal fishing restrictionThe term Federal fishing restriction means a defined area in which all or certain fishing activities are temporarily or permanently prohibited or restricted by a Federal land or water management agency.(2)Federal land or water management agencyThe term Federal land or water management agency means—(A)the Bureau of Reclamation;(B)the National Park Service;(C)the Bureau of Land Management;(D)the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and(E)the Forest Service.(3)Federal waterwayThe term Federal waterway means waters managed by 1 or more of the relevant Secretaries.(4)Federal waterway restrictionThe term Federal waterway restriction means a restriction on the access or use of a Federal waterway applied under applicable law by 1 or more of the Secretaries.(5)SecretariesThe term Secretaries means—(A)the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service; and(B)the Secretary of the Interior.(6)StateThe term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the United States.3.Interagency data standardizationNot later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, in coordination with the Federal Geographic Data Committee established by section 753(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (43 U.S.C. 2802(a)), shall jointly develop and adopt interagency standards to ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable Federal databases with respect to the collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational access of Federal waterways and Federal fishing restrictions.4.Data consolidation and publication(a)Federal waterway restrictionsNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online, as applicable, geographic information system data that includes, with respect to Federal waterway restrictions—(1)status information with respect to the conditions under which Federal waterways are open or closed to entry or watercraft, including watercraft inspection, decontamination requirements, low-elevation aircraft, or diving;(2)the dates on which Federal waterways are seasonally closed to entry or watercraft;(3)the areas of Federal waterways with restrictions on motorized propulsion, horsepower, or fuel type;(4)the areas of Federal waterways with anchoring restrictions, no wake zones, exclusion zones, danger areas, or vessel speed restrictions;(5)Federal waterway restrictions on the direction of travel, including upstream or downstream travel; and(6)the uses, including by watercraft, that are restricted on each area of a Federal waterway, including the permissibility of—(A)canoes and other paddlecraft;(B)rafts and driftboats;(C)motorboats;(D)personal watercraft;(E)airboats;(F)amphibious aircraft;(G)hovercraft;(H)oversnow vehicles and other motorized vehicles on frozen bodies of water;(I)oceangoing ships;(J)swimming; and(K)other applicable recreational activities, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretaries.(b)Federal waterway access and navigation informationNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online, as applicable, geographic information system data that includes, with respect to Federal waterway access and navigation information—(1)(A)the location of boat ramps, portages, and fishing access sites under the authority of the Federal land or water management agency; and(B)the identification of the dates on which the facilities and sites identified under subparagraph (A) are open or closed, as applicable; and(2)bathymetric information and depth charts, as feasible.(c)Federal fishing restrictionsNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall digitize and make publicly available online geographic information system data that describes, with respect to Federal fishing restrictions—(1)the location and geographic boundaries of Federal fishing restrictions on recreational and commercial fishing, including—(A)full or partial closures;(B)no-take zones; and(C)Federal fishing restrictions within or surrounding marine protected areas;(2)Federal fishing restrictions on the use of specific types of equipment or bait; and(3)Federal requirements with respect to catch and release.(d)Public commentThe Secretaries shall develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the information described in subsections (a) and (b).(e)UpdatesThe Secretaries, to the maximum extent practicable, shall update—(1)the data described in subsections (a) and (b) not less frequently than 2 times per year; and(2)the data described in subsection (c) in real time as changes go into effect.(f)ExclusionThis section shall not apply to irrigation canals and flowage easements.(g)DisclosureAny geographic information system data made publicly available under this section shall not disclose information regarding the nature, location, character, or ownership of historic, paleontological, or archaeological resources, consistent with applicable law.5.Cooperation and coordination(a)Community partners and third-party providersFor purposes of carrying out this Act, the Secretaries may—(1)coordinate and partner with non-Federal agencies and private sector and nonprofit partners, including—(A)State natural resource agencies;(B)Tribal natural resource agencies;(C)technology companies;(D)geospatial data companies; and(E)experts in data science, analytics, and operations research; and(2)enter into an agreement with a third party to carry out any provision of this Act.(b)United states geological surveyThe Secretaries may work with the Director of the United States Geological Survey to collect, aggregate, digitize, standardize, and publish data on behalf of the Secretaries to meet the requirements of this Act.(c)RequirementWith respect to data developed and distributed under this Act, the Secretaries shall—(1)develop the data in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Tribal laws (including regulations); and(2)include a notice that any geospatial data are subject to applicable Federal, State, and Tribal laws (including regulations).(d)Existing effortsTo the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned shall use or incorporate existing applicable data, maps, and resources in carrying out this Act, including data, maps, and resources developed and published under—(1)the Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act (16 U.S.C. 6851 et seq.);(2)section 103 of division DD of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (43 U.S.C. 776); or(3)other applicable law.6.ReportsNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter through March 30, 2034, the Secretaries shall submit a report that describes the progress made by the Secretaries with respect to meeting the requirements of this Act to—(1)the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives;(2)the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives;(3)the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;(4)the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and(5)the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.7.EffectNothing in this Act—(1)modifies or alters the definition of the term navigable waters under Federal law;(2)affects the jurisdiction or authority of State or Federal agencies to regulate navigable waters;(3)modifies or alters the authority or jurisdiction of Federal or State agencies to manage fisheries; or(4)authorizes or is intended to result in a change in the accessibility of waters open to hunting, fishing, or other forms of outdoor recreation as of the date of the enactment of this Act.Passed the House of Representatives January 21, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.

All Actions (24)

DateChamberAll Actions
01/03/2025Library of CongressIntroduced in House
01/03/2025Library of CongressIntroduced in House
01/03/2025House floor actionsReferred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
01/03/2025House floor actionsReferred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
01/21/2025House floor actionsMr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
01/21/2025House floor actionsConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H238-240)
01/21/2025House floor actionsDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 187.
01/21/2025House floor actionsAt the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
01/21/2025House floor actionsConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H250-251)
01/21/2025Library of CongressPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 - 0 (Roll no. 19). (text: CR H238-239)
01/21/2025House floor actionsOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 413 - 0 (Roll no. 19). (text: CR H238-239)
01/21/2025House floor actionsMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
01/22/2025SenateReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
12/16/2025Library of CongressSenate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
12/16/2025SenateSenate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
12/16/2025Library of CongressPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
12/16/2025SenatePassed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S8766-8768)
12/17/2025SenateMessage on Senate action sent to the House.
12/18/2025Library of CongressPresented to President.
12/18/2025House floor actionsPresented to President.
12/26/2025Library of CongressSigned by President.
12/26/2025Library of CongressSigned by President.
12/26/2025Library of CongressBecame Public Law No: 119-62.
12/26/2025Library of CongressBecame Public Law No: 119-62.

Titles (11)

Title TypeTitle
Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill textTo provide for the standardization, consolidation, and publication of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways among Federal land and water management agencies, and for other purposes.
Short Titles from ENR (Enrolled) bill textMAPWaters Act of 2025
Short Titles from ENR (Enrolled) bill textModernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025
Short Title(s) as IntroducedModernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025
Short Title(s) as IntroducedMAPWaters Act of 2025
Official Title as IntroducedTo provide for the standardization, consolidation, and publication of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways among Federal land and water management agencies, and for other purposes.
Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill textMAPWaters Act of 2025
Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill textModernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025
Display TitleMAPWaters Act of 2025
Short Title(s) as Passed HouseModernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025
Short Title(s) as Passed HouseMAPWaters Act of 2025

Amendments (0)

There are no amendments to this bill.

Cosponsors (3)

* = Original cosponsor

Committees (4)

CommitteeActivity
Senate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee12/16/2025 Discharged From
Senate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee01/22/2025 Referred To
House - Agriculture Committee01/03/2025 Referred To
House - Natural Resources Committee01/03/2025 Referred To

Related Bills (1)

Subjects (11)

Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources

All data on this page comes from our own database (legislation.congress_* tables), synced daily from the GPO govinfo BILLSTATUS and BILLS collections. Formatted after congress.gov; nothing is generated. Member placement is their DW-NOMINATE score (voteview.com, Lewis et al.) - a measurement of roll-call voting behavior, not our judgement. Buckets: Left below −0.50 · Lean Left to −0.25 · Center to +0.25 · Lean Right to +0.50 · Right above +0.50. The bill's Support meter aggregates the people who signed the bill - sponsor and current cosponsors, each counted once - nothing else.