The presence of strong fish passage laws, particularly with enforcement mechanisms in place, can provide greater opportunity for restoration success. However, these laws, when present, vary significantly from state to state in how they are applied and enforced. This presentation will offer an overview of state fish passage laws around the country and examine where these regulations are most effective in terms of how they are applied and whether they are enforced. We will look at specific recommendations for states without fish passage laws or those whose laws have no teeth. Finally, we will briefly survey case law on what impact, if any, it has had on existing laws.