Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act
Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act
Plain Language Summary
# Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act (HR 339) Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would streamline the process for upgrading telecommunications infrastructure by setting faster approval timelines for wireless tower and base station modifications. Specifically, it would require states and local governments to approve requests to modify existing towers within 60 days if the changes don't significantly alter the structure's physical size (such as adding or replacing transmission equipment). If a state or locality doesn't respond within the timeframe, the request would be automatically approved.
The bill also requires clear written explanations if a request is rejected and establishes procedures for handling incomplete applications. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily affects telecommunications companies and internet service providers seeking to upgrade their networks, as well as state and local governments responsible for reviewing these requests. Indirectly, it could impact broadband availability and service quality for consumers, since faster equipment upgrades may lead to improved connectivity and network resilience. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment ActThis bill makes certain changes to the process through which states, localities, and their instrumentalities must evaluate requests to modify existing wireless communications towers, base stations, and other telecommunications service facilities.Specifically, the bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that states and localities approve eligible modification requests within 60 days of their submission. A request is generally eligible if it proposes to add, replace, or remove transmission equipment in a manner that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of the existing structure.If a request is deemed ineligible, the state or locality must provide written notice and an explanation to the requesting party. If a state or locality fails to respond to a request, it is deemed to be approved. The bill sets out procedures and timelines for addressing incomplete requests and supplemental submissions. Further, the bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that a request be considered submitted (thereby starting the 60-day clock) on the date the requesting party takes the first procedural step within its control to submit the request. The bill also limits the procedural steps and documentation requirements that states and localities may impose upon requesting parties. A requesting party may enforce the requirements of the bill in any U.S. district court, and courts must consider actions brought by a requesting party on an expedited basis.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.