Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1325 - Commercial Remote Sensing Amendment Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 1325, the Commercial Remote Sensing Amendment Act of 2025, aims to modify the existing regulations surrounding commercial remote sensing systems. The bill focuses on increasing transparency in the licensing process and updating reporting requirements. It amends Title 51 of the United States Code, specifically sections related to annual reports and notifications for commercial remote sensing activities.

Expected Effects

The bill will likely lead to more frequent reporting by commercial remote sensing operators, with deadlines shortened from 120 to 60 days. It will also require more detailed information in these reports, including terms, conditions, and restrictions placed on licensees, as well as a breakdown of applications and licenses by tier. The sunset clause for these provisions is extended to September 30, 2030.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased transparency in the commercial remote sensing licensing process.
  • More frequent reporting, allowing for better oversight.
  • Detailed categorization of licenses by tier, providing clarity on the types of activities being conducted.
  • Extension of the sunset clause, ensuring continued oversight for a longer period.
  • Enhanced public access to information regarding remote sensing activities.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential increase in administrative burden for commercial remote sensing companies due to more frequent and detailed reporting requirements.
  • Possible delays in the licensing process due to increased scrutiny and categorization.
  • Could potentially create a chilling effect on innovation if the reporting requirements are too onerous.
  • The bill may not address all potential concerns related to data privacy and security.
  • Increased regulatory burden could disproportionately affect smaller companies.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, as it regulates commercial activities. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The focus on transparency and reporting aligns with the government's role in regulating interstate commerce.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).