NOAA harassment rules tightened with new vessel reporting mandates
Passed one chamberH.R. 2406Latest action
Sponsor: Suzanne Bonamici · Representative · OR
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 2406 tightens NOAA harassment rules, adds vessel reporting duties, and bars sex offenders from commissioned officer roles.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 2406 updates how NOAA handles sexual harassment and assault cases by requiring more detailed public data reporting, including case outcomes and disciplinary actions. It creates a stronger confidential reporting option that does not automatically trigger a formal investigation. The bill also removes narrow legal language that previously limited when sexual assault on a vessel could be treated as a prohibited act under federal fisheries law.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects NOAA employees, commissioned officers, fisheries observers, and crew members on vessels under NOAA contracts. Anyone convicted of certain sexual offenses would be barred from serving as a NOAA commissioned officer.
Why does it matter?
Vessel operators connected to NOAA, such as those working with fisheries observers, must now report harassment or assault incidents to the Coast Guard quickly, adding a new layer of accountability in commercial fishing settings. Closing the gap in federal fisheries law makes it easier to hold people accountable for sexual assault occurring on vessels.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 27, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 15, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.