At MRAA, our mission is to focus on bolstering the businesses of boat dealers and our entire industry. To do so requires that we remain on top of the issues, the legislation and the regulations that threaten your business. It’s our job to help foster a strong selling environment at all times. That requires a lot of effort at both the state and national level. To learn more about our advocacy efforts, in general, head to this recent blog about why your engagement in advocacy makes a difference.
While our advocacy takes place at the Federal level, MRAA is also engaged throughout the country as we have members in all 50 states. Below we have highlighted our advocacy engagement throughout the country.
Northeast
– Delaware
• Amended Right To Repair Legislation – House Bill22
• MRAA worked closely with the Coalition Opposed to Illegal Tampering to successfully have Delaware House Bill 22 amended to exempt marine equipment. To learn more about this bill and why it was important for us to exempt marine equipment click here.
– Maine
• Right to Repair
• MRAA engaged with the Maine State Legislature to highlight our opposition to HB 1977, a right to repair bill. The bill in question would require manufacturers to provide comprehensive information and access to software and tools needed to repair products – including electronics, and marine engines— to untrained and uncertified technicians and individuals. MRAA member, Rob Brown, from Clark Marine, testified before the committee to highlight the negative impacts on the boating industry. Read the MRAA’s submitted testimony on LD 1977, or listen to a recording of the hearing here. The bill ultimately died and was not passed.
Southeast
– Virginia
• Menhaden Fisheries Protection
• MRAA, working with allies in the conservation, boating, and recreational fishing space, advocated for the passage of HB 1448 in the Virginia State Legislature. This bill would require the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to adopt regulations to manage Atlantic menhaden that would assure compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden. Ultimately, the support on behalf of MRAA and the rest of the coalition led to the passage and enactment of the bill. To learn more and see the press release, click here.
Midwest
– Minnesota
• Letter to Lake Minnetonka Conservation Division on Proposed Wake Surf Restrictions
• In December of 2020 MRAA and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) worked with local businesses surrounding Lake Minnetonka to voice opposition to proposed Wake Surf Restrictions. The restrictions, proposed by the Lake Minnetonka Conservation Division (LMCD) sought to limit the access for those wishing to operate wake boats or engage in wake surfing. Due to the immense public comment and the coalition built by MRAA and NMMA, the LMCD did not follow through with their proposed restrictions.
• Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force
• In April of 2020, MRAA President Matt Gruhn, was appointed to the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism Department. This Task Force developed recommendations for the Governor’s office and the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Tourism Department. Recommendations were finalized in May of 2021. To learn more about the Task Force click here and to explore the recommendations click here.
Northwest
– Washington
• Washington State Excise Tax Depreciation Schedule
• Over the Summer of 2021, MRAA joined regional and national groups in opposition to increased excise taxes proposed by the Washington State Bureau of Revenue (BOR). The BOR proposed a new Watercraft Excise Tax Depreciation Schedule that did not accurately reflect depreciations rates for watercrafts and would have placed an unfair burden on recreational boat owners. After input from the coalition the BOR adjusted the rates to be in-line with national averages and more fairly tax boat owners in the state. To learn more about our efforts view our blogs here and here.
U.S. Territories and Hawaii
– Hawaii
• Right to Repair
• In 2020, MRAA member Joe Adams of Windward Boats in Hawaii testified before the Hawaii State Legislature to highlight the marine industry’s opposition to SB 2496, which proposed so-called right-to-repair legislation. His testimony highlighted the negative impact this legislation would have on marine retailers and boaters alike, and it was a critical voice this legislation did not pass.