Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

# Summary of Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 This comprehensive legislation contains numerous provisions addressing critical aspects of Coast Guard operations, with significant emphasis on: 1. **Sexual Assault and Harassment Response**: - Requires a comprehensive policy for retention and access to evidence related to sexual misconduct (Section 402) - Mandates 50-year retention of physical and forensic evidence related to rape or sexual assault - Establishes procedures for victim access to records after final disposition - Creates a Safe-to-Report policy for all Coast Guard members (Section 405) - Requires independent review by the Government Accountability Office of Coast Guard reforms (Section 401) 2. **Coast Guard Academy Reforms**: - Provides for timely consideration of transfer requests by cadets who are victims of sexual assault (Section 403) - Establishes new procedures for handling such requests within 72 hours - Creates a new position for officers with expertise in military justice or healthcare (Section 404) 3. **Vessel Safety and Security**: - Updates requirements for passenger vessel security (Section 245) - Adds cyber-incident training requirements (Section 246) - Clarifies authorities for deepwater port regulations (Section 243) - Establishes new requirements for abandoned vessel removal (Section 250) 4. **Uncrewed Systems**: - Establishes a National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems (Section 231) - Creates a pilot program for governance of small uncrewed maritime systems (Section 232) - Requires development of a training course on uncrewed systems (Section 233) - Mandates a report on uncrewed systems capabilities (Section 236) 5. **Environmental Protection**: - Enhances salvage and marine firefighting response capabilities (Section 301) - Requires development of an online incident reporting system (Section 304) - Addresses oil spill response requirements The legislation contains numerous technical amendments to existing Coast Guard authorities, with specific implementation deadlines (ranging from 30 days to 1 year after enactment) and reporting requirements to Congress. It represents a significant update to Coast Guard policies, particularly in addressing sexual assault response, vessel safety, and emerging uncrewed systems technology.