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 […]
Tag: Legislative Updates
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 […]
Supreme Court Ruling Adds to Corporate Transparency Act Confusion, but Filing Requirements Remain on Hold
On Jan. 23, 2025, the Supreme Court granted the government’s motion to lift a nationwide injunction issued in the case Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. McHenry. What You Need to KnowWhile this ruling could have potentially reinstated Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements, a separate ruling in Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury continues […]
Advisory Council of Marine Associations Approves New Coalition Agreement
WASHINGTON (Jan. 27, 2025) — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announced today that the Advisory Council of Marine Associations (ACMA) approved a new Coalition Agreement, establishing a set of principles to which members of the coalition will adhere. ACMA comprises both state and national marine trades associations, and the newly approved agreement […]
NMFS Rescinds Proposed Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule, Maintaining Access for Recreational Boaters and Anglers
WASHINGTON (Jan. 15, 2024) – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that the National Marine Fisheries Service officially withdrew the proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. Initially proposed in August of 2022, this rule would have put in place a 10-knot speed limit on almost the entire East Coast […]
General Election Update – Implications for Recreational Boating Industry
By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager & Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations As the results from the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, continue to take shape it is clear that Donald Trump has emerged as winner of both the popular and electoral college votes, and will be named the 47th President […]
Corporate Transparency Act Update and Reminder
Filed yet? If not, here is what you need to know! Starting January 1, 2025, all business entities are required to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the U.S. Department of Treasury. The Corporate Transparency Act established the new requirement, which was put in place to combat money […]