Introduced in House — H.R. 9650

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 9650

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 13, 2026

Mr. Ezell (for himself and Mr. Carbajal) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish a crime for altering, removing, or affixing unauthorized vessel identification numbers and trafficking certain vessels, and for other purposes.

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Vessel Identification Protection Act of 2026.

Sec. 2. Unauthorized vessel identification numbers

(a) In general

Chapter 25 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 507 the following:

507A. Altering, removing, or affixing unauthorized vessel identification numbers
(a) In general
With respect to a vessel or vessel part in or affecting interstate commerce, no person shall knowingly, with the purpose of obscuring the identity of a vessel or vessel part—
(1)
remove, obliterate, tamper with, forge, counterfeit, alter, or obstruct the visibility of—
(A)
a hull identification number;
(B)
an identification number; or
(C)
a decal or device affixed to a vessel or vessel part; or
(2)
affix—
(A)
a hull identification number or an identification number that has not been issued by the appropriate manufacturer, importer, State authority, or Federal authority to a vessel or vessel part; or
(B)
a decal or device that has not been issued by the appropriate manufacturer, importer, State authority, or Federal authority pursuant to chapters 41, 43 or 123 of title 46, United States Code, or regulations issued thereunder.
(b) Nonapplication
Subsection (a) shall not apply to the removal of an identification number by a person who is—
(1)
authorized to remove the identification number by the United States Coast Guard; or
(2)
required to remove the identification number pursuant to Coast Guard regulations.
(c) Penalty
Whoever violates subsection (a) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Hull identification number
The term hull identification number has the meaning given such term in section 187.7 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act).
(2) Identification number
The term identification number means a number or symbol that is inscribed or affixed for purposes of identification under chapter 41, 43, or 123 of title 46, United States Code, or regulations issued thereunder.
(3) Tampers with
The term tampers with includes covering a decal or device affixed to a vessel pursuant to chapters 41, 43, and 123 of title 46, United States Code, or regulations issued thereunder.
(4) Vessel
The term vessel has the meaning given such term in section 115 of title 46, United States Code.

(b) Trafficking in certain vessels

Chapter 113 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2321 the following:

2321A. Trafficking in certain vessels
(a) In general
Whoever buys, receives, possesses, or obtains control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, a vessel in or affecting interstate commerce, knowing that an identification number or hull identification number for such vessel has been removed, obliterated, tampered with, forged, counterfeited, altered, or not issued by the appropriate manufacturer, importer, State or Federal authority shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
(b) Nonapplication
Subsection (a) does not apply if the removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration—
(1)
is caused by collision, allision, or fire; or
(2)
is not a violation of section 507A of this title.
(c) Identification number
In this section, the terms identification number, hull identification number, and vessel have the meaning given such terms in section 507A of this title.