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H.R. 234House115th Congress (2017-2019)In Committee

Maritime Lien Reform Act

Sponsored by Don YoungRep. Don Young (R-AK)
Introduced January 3, 2017

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 11:11 AM UTC

The Maritime Lien Reform Act would stop fishing permits from being treated as maritime liens. It says a permit that allows a vessel to fish, whether issued by a state or the federal government, cannot be used to create a lien or be enforced through a civil lawsuit. The bill leaves the permits under the sole authority of the issuing state or federal law and does not limit the Commerce Secretary’s power to modify or enforce federal permits.

Key Provisions

  • Adds a new section (31310) stating that fishing permits do not create maritime liens and cannot be enforced by civil action.
  • Specifies that fishing permits are governed only by the state or federal law that issued them and are not considered part of a vessel’s assets for lien purposes.
  • Clarifies that the limitation does not restrict the Secretary of Commerce’s authority to modify, suspend, revoke, or sanction federal fishery permits.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee

January 4, 2017

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 3, 2017

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

January 3, 2017

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee

January 4, 2017

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 3, 2017

I

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 234

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 3, 2017

Mr. Young of Alaska introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

A BILL

To provide limitations on maritime liens on fishing permits, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Maritime Lien Reform Act.

2.

Limitation on maritime liens on fishing permit and permit description

(a)

In general

Subchapter I of chapter 313 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

31310.

Limitation on maritime liens on fishing permit and permit description

(a)

In general

This chapter—

(1)

does not establish a maritime lien on a permit that—

(A)

authorizes a person or use of a vessel to engage in fishing; and

(B)

is issued under State or Federal law; and

(2)

does not authorize any civil action to enforce a maritime lien on such a permit.

(b)

Treatment of fishing permits

A fishing permit—

(1)

is governed solely by the State or Federal law under which it was issued; and

(2)

is not included in the whole of a vessel or as an appurtenance or intangible of a vessel for any purpose.

(c)

Limitation on statutory construction

Nothing in subsections (a) and (b) shall be construed as imposing any limitation upon the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to modify, suspend, revoke, or sanction any Federal fishery permit issued by the Secretary of Commerce or to bring a civil action to enforce such modification, suspension, revocation, or sanction.

.

(b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 31309 the following:

31310. Limitation on maritime liens on fishing permit and permit description.

.