H.R.1343 - Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop and submit a plan to Congress for tracking the acceptance, processing, and disposal of Form 299s related to communications use authorizations on federal lands. The bill aims to increase transparency and expedite the deployment of broadband infrastructure. It defines key terms such as 'communications facility,' 'communications use authorization,' and 'covered land' to clarify the scope of the tracking plan.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be the creation of a tracking system for Form 299s, making the process more transparent for applicants seeking to deploy broadband on federal lands. This could lead to faster broadband deployment, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Ultimately, this could improve internet access for many Americans.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in the application process for broadband deployment on federal lands.
- Potentially faster processing times for Form 299s, leading to quicker broadband deployment.
- Improved broadband access, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- Enhanced communication between applicants and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce.
- More efficient use of federal lands for communications infrastructure.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill itself doesn't guarantee funding for the implementation of the tracking plan, which could hinder its effectiveness.
- The 180-day deadline for submitting the plan may be insufficient, potentially leading to a rushed and incomplete plan.
- The plan's effectiveness depends on the Assistant Secretary's ability to overcome potential barriers, which are currently unidentified.
- There may be additional administrative costs associated with implementing and maintaining the tracking system.
- The bill focuses solely on federal lands, potentially neglecting broadband deployment challenges on private or state-owned lands.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. Broadband deployment and internet access have significant implications for interstate commerce. Additionally, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).