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H.R.3168 / 103rd Congress

Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Act of 1993

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 29, 1993

Recreational Boating Safety Improvement Act of 1993 - 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 during operation. 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. Limits to no more than 25 percent of Federal funds for recreational boating safety programs the amount that a State may use for acquiring, constructing, or repairing public access sites used primarily by recreational boaters. 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. Declares that persons who willfully operate a recreational vessel in violation of this Act may be ordered to complete a qualified recreational boating safety course in addition to or in lieu of other civil penalties.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [D-LA-3] · D–LA

Committees

  • Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee
3 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  2. Executive Comment Requested from DOT.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Navigation.

  4. Referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

  5. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2309)

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.3168 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.3168 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.3168 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.3168 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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