Bills · HR 689
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 689Licensing and registrationsAdministrative law and regulatory procedures
FREE Act
INTRO JAN 23· LAST ACTION OCT 28
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
19
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because federal permitting processes often involve significant delays and costs, which can slow down important projects, from building infrastructure to starting new businesses or engaging in various regulated activities. If this bill becomes law, it aims to streamline these processes by pushing agencies to adopt a "permit by rule" approach, where permits are granted more quickly based on clear standards and applicant self-certification, with agencies verifying compliance later.
The real-world impact could be faster project approvals, potentially boosting economic activity and reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that individuals and businesses currently face. If it doesn't become law, the current discretionary, often time-consuming, permitting systems would likely continue, meaning ongoing delays and costs for those needing federal approvals. It addresses a common frustration with government bureaucracy and the pace of regulatory approvals.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance to all federal agencies defining "permitting by rule" and how to implement it.
This provides a consistent understanding and framework for agencies to follow when evaluating and potentially changing their permit systems.
PROVISION 02
Requires each federal agency to submit a detailed report to Congress listing all its permits, the steps involved in getting them, and whether a "permitting by rule" system could replace their current process.
This mandates a comprehensive review of existing permit systems and identifies specific areas where streamlining could occur.
PROVISION 03
If an agency fails to submit the required report on time, it must pay the attorney fees and costs for applicants who successfully sue the agency for unreasonable permit delays during that non-compliance period.
This provision creates a direct financial incentive for agencies to comply with the reporting requirements and act on permit applications in a timely manner.
PROVISION 04
For any permit type identified as suitable for "permitting by rule," agencies must establish a new, rule-based application process within 12 months of submitting their report.
This ensures that agencies don't just report on possibilities but are compelled to implement the streamlined systems where feasible.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 19
R· Utah
YRS IN OFFICE
2
BILLS LED
24
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 19 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTSOCT 28
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-351.
OCT 28
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 303.
MAY 21
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
MAY 21
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 19.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 689
Congress119th
StatusReported
IntroducedJan 23, 2025
Last actionOct 28, 2025
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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025
House BillHR 689Licensing and registrationsAdministrative law and regulatory procedures
FREE Act
INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025· LAST ACTION OCT 28, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
19
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
