The Advisory Council of Marine Associations (ACMA) met at the Marine Dealer Conference and Expo (MDCE) on Nov. 10 to review 2012 federal and state legislative activities and to project potential legislative action in 2013.           

During the meeting, ACMA members discussed ethanol, federal red tape and over regulation, problems with a lack of funds for dredging of small boat harbors and channels, the Sport Fish and Boating Account, working waterfronts, and efforts to mandate adult lifejacket wear. It is expected these issues will continue in 2013.           

Concern was also expressed about the fiscal cliff. MRAA was asked to watch the negotiations closely and to support a balanced approach with spending cuts and small increase in taxes, but also to support retention of the second home mortgage interest deduction and current estate tax policy.           

Every participant in the meeting then discussed specific state issues, including efforts to ban copper boat bottom paint, worker’s compensation and longshoreman’s insurance, success of Clean Marina programs, universal titling bills, Asian carp encroachment in the Mid-west, excessive boat boardings by the Coast Guard, and the collection of non-toxic anti-freeze.           

During the meeting, Jon Kukuk of Wisconsin was re-elected to chair ACMA in 2013. Interest was expressed to meet again at the American Boating Congress in early May. 

The Advisory Council of Marine Associations consists of regional and state marine trade association staff, who together advise the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas on lobbying and legislative efforts. This group meets on an ongoing basis, contributing to MRAA’s agenda regarding efforts to undertake in support of its members.