Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement Act of 2025
Summary
The "Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement Act of 2025" aims to enhance the safety and well-being of fishing vessel operators and crewmembers. It amends Section 4502 of title 46, United States Code, focusing on fishing safety training and research grant programs. The bill specifically addresses behavioral and physical health risks, including substance use disorder and worker fatigue, within the commercial fishing industry.
Expected Effects
The Act will increase funding for safety training and research grants. It will also broaden the scope of these programs to include behavioral and physical health risks. This will likely lead to improved safety measures and better support for the well-being of those working in the fishing industry.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for fishing safety training and research.
- Specific focus on addressing substance use disorder and worker fatigue.
- Improved criteria for grant allocation in consultation with the Coast Guard.
- Potential for reduced accidents and injuries in the fishing industry.
- Enhanced overall health and well-being of fishing vessel operators and crewmembers.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending, potentially impacting the federal budget.
- Possible administrative overhead in managing the expanded grant programs.
- Potential for some programs to be less effective than others, requiring ongoing evaluation.
- The effectiveness of the program will depend on the ability to accurately identify and address the root causes of substance abuse and fatigue.
- May not address all safety concerns within the fishing industry.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's mandate to "provide for the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which includes the fishing industry. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).