Accelerating Broadband Permits Act
Accelerating Broadband Permits Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of the Accelerating Broadband Permits Act (S 866) **What the Bill Does:** This bill aims to speed up the federal permit approval process for broadband and communications infrastructure projects. Currently, federal agencies have 270 days to review applications from companies wanting to install or upgrade communications equipment on federal land and buildings. The bill would require agencies to better track how long these reviews actually take and identify what's causing delays.
Agencies would also need to alert their staff when they're falling behind schedule and take steps to fix problems as they arise. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects broadband companies and telecommunications providers seeking to build or expand their networks on federal property, as well as the federal agencies that review these requests. Indirectly, it could benefit consumers and communities waiting for faster internet access. The bill is sponsored by Senator John Thune (R-SD) and is currently being reviewed in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. **Key Takeaway:** Essentially, this is a procedural streamlining bill designed to reduce bureaucratic delays in getting broadband infrastructure projects approved—rather than changing the actual rules about whether projects can proceed.
CRS Official Summary
Accelerating Broadband Permits ActThis bill makes specified changes to processes for federal review of certain communications and broadband infrastructure projects. Specifically, the bill requires executive branch agencies to identify and address factors that contribute to delays in their review of applications for easements, rights-of-way, or leases related to communications infrastructure projects. (Under current law, executive branch agencies with control over buildings or property may grant such easements, rights-of-way, or leases to entities seeking to install, construct, modify, or maintain communications facilities. Generally, agencies must act on such applications within 270 days.) Under the bill, agencies must develop controls to ensure accurate tracking of processing times for such applications and take action to address factors contributing to delays as they occur. Agencies must also establish methods to alert employees when the agency is at risk of failing to meet the 270-day deadline with respect to a particular application. (These provisions were recommended by the Government Accountability Office in an April 2024 report to Congress entitled Broadband Deployment: Agencies Should Take Steps to Better Meet Deadline for Processing Permits.) Separately, the bill lowers the cost threshold for certain broadband infrastructure projects to qualify as covered projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act from $200 million to $5 million. Such projects qualify for expedited federal environmental review.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S1581)