There is big news coming from South Carolina, as the state is one step closer to cutting the nation’s highest boat property tax. With an overwhelming 89-7 vote in the South Carolina House of Representatives, this reform effort has picked up serious momentum — and it’s a major victory for boaters, dealers and the entire […]
Category: Advocacy
MRAA Speaks Out Against Key Ban in Minnesota
In 2023, Minnesota legislators passed a ban on consumer products with certain levels of lead and cadmium, including jewelry, toys, cosmetics, kitchenware and art supplies. The law also included keys, and with the ban set to take effect, many businesses are in a difficult position since workable alternatives are not available or commercially viable at […]
MRAA Advocates for Marine Retailers in Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Program
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has provided feedback on the proposed Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Plan, aiming to ensure that the program minimizes the financial and operational impact on marine retailers across the state. In a comment letter submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Commercial and Industrial Flexible […]
Led by Northwest Marine Trades Association, Coalition Sinks Washington State Luxury Tax on Recreational Vessels
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), alongside its industry partners, is celebrating a monumental advocacy victory as the Washington State Legislature has officially tabled a proposed “luxury” tax on vessels (SB5801), protecting marine industry jobs and saving an estimated $70 million over the next six years — a […]
MRAA Responds to Boating Industry Tariff Challenges
MRAA partners with marine industry organizations to respond to ongoing boating tariffs. Learn how you can support advocacy efforts ahead of the 2025 American Boating Congress.
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements Removed
• Marine Retailers Exempt from Burdensome Regulations WASHINGTON, April 1, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the America (MRAA) announced today that on March 21, 2025 the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an interim final rule which removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to […]
MRAA Participates in Small Business Legislative Council Fly-in
• MRAA Government Relations Team Meets with White House and Congressional Leadership WASHINGTON, March 24, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) Government Relations Team recently participated in the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC) fly-in in Washington to discuss small business issues impacting recreational boat dealers and potential regulatory hurdles in the […]
MRAA Supports ‘25 in 2025’ Campaign
Campaign issues challenge to states to create the 25th office of outdoor recreation WASHINGTON — Along with leading outdoor recreation organizations from across the United States led by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas celebrates the launch of the ‘25 in 2025’ campaign, a challenge to states to create […]
Critical Menhaden Science Funding Falls Short Again in Virginia
• Recreational angling, boating and conservation community disappointed that state legislative efforts to fund menhaden science in the Chesapeake Bay failed in session (RICHMOND, Va.)— During the 2025 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers again failed to approve multiple efforts from both sides of the aisle to provide funding for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to […]
Regulatory Notice – Corporate Transparency Act Update
In the long saga that is the reporting requirements put forth under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) we have yet another update. On Feb. 27, The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced that it would not issue fines or penalties for any business that does not file Beneficial Ownership Information with the FinCEN until a […]
