Bills · S 866
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 866Science, Technology, Communications
Accelerating Broadband Permits Act
INTRO MAR 5· LAST ACTION MAR 5
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it directly impacts the speed at which reliable, high-speed internet can be brought to their communities. In today's world, internet access is crucial for education, healthcare, remote work, and economic opportunity, yet many parts of the U.S. still lack adequate service. This bill aims to cut through government bureaucracy, making federal agencies more efficient and accountable in approving the necessary permits for broadband construction.
If this bill becomes law, it could significantly reduce the time and cost associated with expanding internet infrastructure, leading to faster deployment of new broadband networks. If it doesn't pass, the current permitting processes, which are often cited as slow and complex, would continue without these new transparency and efficiency requirements, potentially prolonging the wait for reliable internet access in many areas.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires executive agencies to develop controls for accurate data tracking of processing times for communications use applications.
This provision ensures agencies can precisely identify where delays occur, providing a foundation for improvement.
PROVISION 02
Mandates executive agencies to analyze, address, and annually report on factors contributing to delays in processing applications.
This holds agencies accountable for actively identifying and resolving bottlenecks that slow down broadband deployment.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a method for executive agencies to alert staff about applications at risk of missing the 270-day processing deadline.
This proactive measure helps prevent applications from becoming overdue, promoting adherence to existing timelines.
PROVISION 04
Amends the FAST Act to include broadband infrastructure projects over $5 million that are subject to NEPA as 'major projects'.
This change could allow significant broadband projects to benefit from streamlined review processes designed for large infrastructure.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
R· South Dakota
YRS IN OFFICE
29
BILLS LED
57
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 1 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 5
Introduced in Senate
MAR 5
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S1581)
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 866
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 5, 2025
Last actionMar 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025
Senate BillS 866Science, Technology, Communications
Accelerating Broadband Permits Act
INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
