State

NMMA’s State Government Relations division monitors legislation and regulatory issues in all 50 states, pursuing proactive goals and defending the marine industry against potentially harmful government initiatives.

State governments frequently introduce and enact laws within months, a marked difference from federal regulatory and congressional actions that can play out over several years.
The NMMA GR State division employs contract lobbyists in the largest boating states to provide a strong local presence and early warning system. NMMA members receive regular legislative updates and alerts via The Washington Wave e-newsletter and issue-specific emails.
Marine businesses are often asked for grassroots action to oppose or support an issue, and that action often is needed within a matter of days.

This page provides frequent updates on legislation and regulatory actions that directly involve the recreational marine industry. Click on state name to learn about its key issues.

Current Issues:

Maryland enacts marine engine sound limit of 88 db in some areas. To read more, click HERE.
Marine dealer/manufacturer contract legislation introduced by Florida Senator Anita Flores. To read more, click HERE.
Cook County, IL proposes tax increases on boat sales. To oppose the boat tax hike click HERE.
Barnegat Bay Plan of Action Meeting Concerning Boating Impact: Meeting will take place on November 9, 2011 from 10am -12 noon at Cooper Environmental Center- Cattus Island County Park, Toms River, NJ
Maine receives US Department of Commerce Waterfront Grant Funding
Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission proposes out-of-state exhibitor ban for recreational product trade shows

Alabama	Illinois	Montana	Rhode Island
Alaska	Indiana	Nebraska	South Carolina
Arizona	Iowa	Nevada	South Dakota
Arkansas	Kansas	New Hampshire	Tennessee
California	Kentucky	New Jersey	Texas
Colorado	Louisiana	New Mexico	Utah
Connecticut	Maine	New York	Vermont
Delaware	Maryland	North Carolina	Virginia
District of Columbia	Massachusetts	North Dakota	Washington
Florida	Michigan	Ohio	West Virginia
Georgia	Minnesota	Oklahoma	Wisconsin
Hawaii	Mississippi	Oregon	Wyoming
Idaho	Missouri	Pennsylvania

State Grants

State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program

The State Trade and Export Promotion Program (STEP) is a 3-year pilot trade and export initiative authorized by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Funded by federal grants and matching funds from the states, the STEP Program is designed to help increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to raise the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting so they can grow and create jobs.

How STEP Grants Will Help Small businesses:

The STEP grants will help provide:

support for small business participation in foreign trade missions and foreign market sales trips;
subscription to services by the Department of Commerce;
website translation fees;
design of international marketing media;
trade show exhibitions;
participation in training workshops; and
other export initiatives determined to be appropriate by the SBA.

Competition:

All 50 states, Washington D.C. and U.S. Territories were invited to apply for STEP grant awards.

Forty-seven states, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands won a STEP grant award. All states and territories that submitted their applications on time received STEP grants.

Through the STEP grants, SBA awarded approximately $30 million, supporting $43.4 million in total projects costs. SBA is authorized to grant up to $30 million to states each year under the program.

For more information, visit the STEP web page at: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2889/resources/14315

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For more information please contact:

David Dickerson
Director, State Government Relations
202.737.9761

T. Nicole Vasilaros, Esq.

Manager, State Government Relations and Legislative Counsel

202.737.9763