MINNEAPOLIS, June 12, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) backs a bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (SFRBTF). It was released on Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives. The reauthorization of the SFRBTF is a top priority of the recreational marine industry. 75 Years […]
Tag: Legislative Updates
MRAA Helps Unlock Relief for Marine Businesses in Minnesota Lead Key Ban Reversal
MINNEAPOLIS, June 12, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) applauds the Minnesota legislature’s passage of H.F. 4, which included a provision that has relaxed the state’s previously enacted lead key ban. Unlock Minnesota Coalition The MRAA, as part of the Unlock Minnesota Coalition, comprised of Minnesota-based businesses, worked together to shepherd […]
Texas Boating Bill Protects Consumers, Retailers
• Senate Bill 1267 Increases Transparency in Boat Transactions MINNEAPOLIS, June 10, 2025 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), along with a coalition of recreational boating organizations, commends the state of Texas for enacting Senate Bill 1267, signed into law on May 27 by Gov. Greg Abbott. This bipartisan legislation, classified as […]
Why Marine Dealers Should Attend the American Boating Congress: Advocacy, Networking, Impact
By Liz Keener, MRAA Senior Director of Dealer Development During the opening night dinner at the American Boating Congress, organizers invited first-time attendees to stand up. There were dealers, manufacturer representatives and industry suppliers who rose from their chairs — and, of course, me. For 14 years, I had heard of this event — ABC […]
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. With the ban set to take effect, many businesses are in a difficult position since workable alternatives are not available or commercially viable at this […]
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 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 […]
