Last week, NMMA and Oregon Families for Boating (OFFB) partnered together for the group’s annual Advocacy Day in Salem, Oregon. Joined by the Marine Retailers of the Americas Association (MRAA) and Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), the coalition met with over 20 Oregon legislators from the House and Senate and their staff to discuss legislative opportunities for recreational boating across the state.

Advocacy Day served as an opportunity for OFFB and fellow Oregon residents to connect with local legislators and decision-makers. The group met with a variety of members from the Oregon Senate, in particular those who sit on the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire. A highlight of these meetings was the coalition’s support for S.B. 1590, which will restore boating access in the Newberg Pool, a long stretch of the Willamette River outside of metropolitan Portland.

S.B. 1590 carries forward the Oregon State Marine Board’s (OSMB) Newberg Pool Towed Watersports Education Program as well as implements a standardized factory weight limit to ensure recreationalists are abiding by OSMB’s regulations. The legislation is sponsored by Senator Meek, who has been an integral partner of the boating community since his election in 2022. Alongside Senator Meek (D) are chief co-sponsors Senator Brock Smith (R), Representative Bynum (D), and Representative Elmer (R), making this bill a bipartisan effort. S.B. 1590 will be heard in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire on Tuesday, February 13.