46 U.S. Code § 70131 - Definitions

In this subchapter:

(1) Law enforcement agency.—

The term “law enforcement agency” means an agency of a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a Federally recognized tribe that is authorized by law to supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of any violation of criminal law.

(2) Security zone.—

The term “security zone” means a security zone, established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard or the Commandant’s designee pursuant to section 70051 or section 70116(b), for a vessel carrying especially hazardous cargo when such vessel—

(A) enters, or operates within, the internal waters of the United States and the territorial sea of the United States; or

(B) transfers such cargo or residue in any port or place, under the jurisdiction of the United States, within the territorial sea of the United States or the internal waters of the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 111–281, title VIII, § 828(a), Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3005; amended Pub. L. 111–330, § 1(16), Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3570; Pub. L. 119–60, div. G, title LXXVII, § 7701(d), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1835.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2025—Par. (2). Pub. L. 119–60 subtituted “section 70051” for “section 1 of title II of the Act of June 15, 1917 (50 U.S.C. 191)” and “section 70116(b)” for “section 7(b) of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (33 U.S.C. 1226(b))” in introductory provisions.

2010—Pub. L. 111–330 amended Pub. L. 111–281, § 828(a), which enacted this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–330, § 1, Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3569, provided that the amendment made by section 1(16) is effective with the enactment of Pub. L. 111–281.