A bill to amend the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, to authorize certain public libraries to collect and retain a fee for the execution of a passport application. | ChamberLight
Bills · S 3733
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3733Visas and passportsUser charges and fees
A bill to amend the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, to authorize certain public libraries to collect and retain a fee for the execution of a passport application.
INTRO JAN 29· LAST ACTION JUL 27
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
8
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it could make getting a passport easier and more accessible for many people by increasing the number of places where applications can be processed. Instead of relying solely on post offices or specific government offices, your local library might become a one-stop shop for your passport needs.
It also matters for public libraries. The ability to collect and keep the passport application processing fee could provide a stable, recurring source of income for libraries, many of which face budget constraints. This extra funding could allow libraries to expand services, update collections, or maintain their facilities, benefiting the entire community. If this bill doesn't become law, libraries would not have this option, and passport applicants would continue to have fewer processing locations.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Authorizes the Secretary of State to allow certain public libraries to become passport acceptance facilities.
This expands the types of organizations that can process passport applications, potentially increasing convenience for the public.
PROVISION 02
Allows authorized public libraries to collect and retain the execution fee for passport applications they process.
This provides a new potential revenue stream for participating libraries, which could support their services and operations.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the Secretary of State to re-authorize any public library that previously served as a passport acceptance facility within 30 days.
This ensures that libraries with prior experience in this role can quickly resume services without needing new discretionary approval.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress within 30 days on compliance with the re-authorization mandate.
This provision ensures accountability and transparency regarding the implementation of the re-authorization process.
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 29, 2026
Senate BillS 3733Visas and passportsUser charges and fees
A bill to amend the Passport Act of June 4, 1920, to authorize certain public libraries to collect and retain a fee for the execution of a passport application.
This bill matters because it could make getting a passport easier and more accessible for many people by increasing the number of places where applications can be processed. Instead of relying solely on post offices or specific government offices, your local library might become a one-stop shop for your passport needs.
It also matters for public libraries. The ability to collect and keep the passport application processing fee could provide a stable, recurring source of income for libraries, many of which face budget constraints. This extra funding could allow libraries to expand services, update collections, or maintain their facilities, benefiting the entire community. If this bill doesn't become law, libraries would not have this option, and passport applicants would continue to have fewer processing locations.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Authorizes the Secretary of State to allow certain public libraries to become passport acceptance facilities.
This expands the types of organizations that can process passport applications, potentially increasing convenience for the public.
high
Allows authorized public libraries to collect and retain the execution fee for passport applications they process.
This provides a new potential revenue stream for participating libraries, which could support their services and operations.
med
Mandates the Secretary of State to re-authorize any public library that previously served as a passport acceptance facility within 30 days.
This ensures that libraries with prior experience in this role can quickly resume services without needing new discretionary approval.
low
Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress within 30 days on compliance with the re-authorization mandate.
This provision ensures accountability and transparency regarding the implementation of the re-authorization process.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
Secretary of State shall authorize any previously serving public library to be a passport acceptance facility.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
Secretary of State shall submit a report to Congress on compliance with re-authorization requirements.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Passport Act of June 4, 1920
The original federal law that governs the issuance of passports and related fees in the United States.
Secretary of State
The head of the U.S. Department of State, responsible for the country's foreign policy, including the issuance of passports.
Passport acceptance facility
An authorized location, such as a post office or government office, where individuals can submit their passport applications in person.
Execution fee
A processing fee charged when an individual submits a passport application, distinct from the fee for the passport itself. This fee covers the cost of reviewing the application and identity documents.
Nongovernmental organization (NGO)
An organization that is not part of a government, often focused on social or humanitarian issues.
Conforming amendment
A change made to one part of a law to make it consistent with another change made in the same bill.
ACTION TIMELINE
9 EVENTS
JUL 27
Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment. Without written report.
COMMITTEE
JUL 27
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 503.
CALENDARS
JUN 17
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
COMMITTEE
JUN 17
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.