Overview
Title
To require executive agencies to take steps to better meet the statutory deadline for processing communications use applications, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
S. 866 is a bill that asks government departments to work faster at checking and approving requests to use things like internet lines for new projects and to make sure they tell everyone why there might be hold-ups, while also asking for bigger and cleaner projects.
Summary AI
S. 866 is a bill aimed at improving the efficiency of executive agencies in processing applications for the use of communications, like broadband infrastructure projects. The bill requires agencies to enhance their tracking and reporting systems to ensure applications are processed within set deadlines and to identify and address factors causing delays. Additionally, it adjusts criteria for broadband projects under the FAST Act, requiring higher investment amounts and adherence to environmental assessments.
Published
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AnalysisAI
The proposed bill, S. 866, titled the "Accelerating Broadband Permits Act," aims to streamline the process by which executive agencies handle communications use applications. Introduced by Senator Thune and co-sponsored by Senators Luján and Barrasso, the legislation is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The bill's primary objective is to improve the efficiency and timeliness of processing such applications, which are critical for expanding broadband infrastructure across the United States.
General Summary of the Bill
The bill consists of three main sections. The first section officially names the bill as the "Accelerating Broadband Permits Act." The second section introduces amendments to the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, requiring executive agencies to enhance their tracking of application processing times, address any delay factors, and establish a system to warn about potential missed deadlines. Finally, the bill seeks to amend the FAST Act by setting a minimum project cost for broadband infrastructure requiring a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, establishing a threshold of $5,000,000.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several key issues arise from the bill's provisions. In Section 2, while it introduces a framework for tracking and addressing delays, there is a lack of specificity on which executive agencies are tasked with implementing these changes. Moreover, the bill does not allocate additional resources for the newly mandated annual reporting, potentially overburdening agencies. The lack of mechanisms to enforce the 270-day processing deadlines might allow agencies to continue experiencing prolonged delays without repercussions.
Section 3 introduces a minimum threshold of $5,000,000 for broadband projects subject to environmental review. This threshold may seem arbitrary without additional justification and could inadvertently favor larger companies with more resources, marginalizing smaller companies or projects.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
If enacted, the bill could have broad implications for how broadband infrastructure is developed and deployed across the United States. By potentially speeding up application processing times, the legislation could facilitate quicker expansion of broadband services, helping bridge the digital divide in underserved areas. This can lead to enhanced educational, economic, and healthcare opportunities for communities that currently lack adequate internet access.
However, the bill might disadvantage smaller broadband projects and companies that cannot meet the $5,000,000 investment threshold. This could lead to a concentration of broadband development among larger players, potentially stifling innovation and competition.
Conclusion
The "Accelerating Broadband Permits Act" is a significant legislative effort to improve the processes governing broadband infrastructure development. While its intent is clear, certain ambiguities and potential challenges must be addressed to ensure that it equitably benefits all stakeholders, from large corporations to smaller communities and companies. Clarifying responsibilities, providing adequate resources, and ensuring fair competition will be crucial for the bill to achieve its objectives effectively.
Issues
The definition of the minimum $5,000,000 threshold for broadband projects in Section 3 is potentially arbitrary and lacks detailed justification, which might lead to favoritism towards larger projects, impacting smaller companies negatively.
Section 2 lacks explicit details on the specific executive agencies responsible for developing data controls to track processing times, which might cause ambiguity and delay in implementation.
Section 2's requirement for annual reporting on delay factors might impose a substantial administrative burden on executive agencies without an allocation of additional resources, potentially leading to inefficient spending.
There is no mechanism for ensuring compliance or accountability in meeting the 270-day deadline for processing communications use applications in Section 2, which could result in prolonged delays without consequence.
In Section 3, the definition of 'infrastructure for broadband' lacks specific details, potentially leading to varied interpretations and inconsistent implementation.
The restructuring of clauses in Section 3 may result in confusion due to the lack of a clear overall structure or summary.
The title 'Accelerating Broadband Permits Act' in Section 1 may not provide sufficient information about the specific objectives or scope of the Act, which could lead to misunderstandings without additional context.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The act described in this section is officially named the “Accelerating Broadband Permits Act.”
2. Tracking and improving processing times for communications use applications Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section amends the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 by requiring executive agencies to accurately track application processing times, analyze and reduce delays, report annually to relevant congressional committees, and alert staff about applications that might miss the 270-day deadline.
3. Minimum broadband project cost Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Section 41001(6)(A) of the FAST Act is updated by adding new criteria for broadband projects. These projects need to follow environmental review regulations, include broadband infrastructure construction, and likely cost over $5,000,000.