H.R.1731 - Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining Act; Standard FEES Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1731, the Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining Act (Standard FEES Act), aims to amend the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. The bill seeks to establish a uniform fee schedule for processing applications related to the placement of communications facilities on federal properties.
The Administrator of General Services would be responsible for creating this fee schedule, which should be based on direct costs and be competitively neutral.
Executive agencies would then adopt these fees, with limited exceptions, to expedite the deployment of broadband internet access service.
Expected Effects
The bill is likely to streamline the process for placing communications facilities on federal properties by standardizing fees. This could lead to faster deployment of broadband infrastructure.
It could also reduce administrative burdens for both applicants and government agencies.
Ultimately, this could improve internet access, particularly in underserved areas.
Potential Benefits
- Faster Broadband Deployment: Standardized fees could expedite the approval process for communications facilities.
- Reduced Administrative Costs: A uniform fee schedule could simplify processing and reduce administrative overhead.
- Increased Transparency: Publicly available fee schedules increase transparency and predictability.
- Competitive Neutrality: The bill aims for fees that are competitively neutral, promoting fair competition.
- Expanded Broadband Access: The bill prioritizes expanding broadband access, especially in underserved areas.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Increased Costs: Standardized fees might increase costs for some applicants, especially smaller providers.
- Limited Flexibility: The standardization could reduce flexibility in negotiating fees based on specific project characteristics.
- Implementation Challenges: Establishing and implementing the uniform fee schedule could face bureaucratic hurdles.
- Unintended Consequences: Exceptions to the fee schedule could create loopholes or unfair advantages.
- Dependence on Appropriations: The use of collected fees is contingent on future appropriations, creating uncertainty.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by facilitating the deployment of communications infrastructure, which is related to interstate commerce. It also aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble) by promoting broadband access, which can improve economic opportunities and quality of life.
There is no apparent conflict with the Bill of Rights or other constitutional provisions.
The delegation of authority to the Administrator of General Services and executive agencies to establish and implement the fee schedule is consistent with the principle of administrative law.
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).