H.R.1588 - Facilitating the Deployment of Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications Act; Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1588, also known as the "Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act," directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to report to Congress on barriers to establishing online portals for processing Form 299s. These forms relate to communications use authorizations on federal lands managed by the Departments of Interior and Agriculture. The bill mandates regular reports to Congress until the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture establish these online portals.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be increased transparency and efficiency in the process of approving communications infrastructure projects on federal lands. By requiring regular reports on barriers to online portal implementation, Congress aims to expedite the deployment of broadband and other communications technologies. This could lead to faster approval times and reduced administrative burdens for companies seeking to build or modify communications facilities.
Potential Benefits
- Faster deployment of communications infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
- Reduced administrative costs for both government agencies and private companies.
- Increased transparency in the permitting process.
- Improved communication and coordination between federal agencies and applicants.
- Potential for economic growth through expanded broadband access.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased workload for the Assistant Secretary of Commerce and relevant departments in the short term due to reporting requirements.
- Risk that the online portals may not fully address all barriers to infrastructure deployment.
- Possible delays in implementation if significant barriers are encountered.
- The bill focuses primarily on process and does not address potential environmental concerns related to infrastructure development.
- Limited impact if the underlying issues are not related to online accessibility.
Constitutional Alignment
This 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 states. By facilitating the deployment of communications infrastructure, the bill aims to improve interstate communication and commerce. There are no apparent conflicts with other constitutional provisions.
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).