Bill seeks progress reports on online filing for cell tower permits
In markupH.R. 1588Latest action
Sponsor: Mariannette Miller-Meeks · Representative · IA
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Official title: Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill requires Commerce to report every 60 days on whether Interior and Agriculture have online Form 299 portals.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 1588 requires a Commerce Department official to check with the Interior and Agriculture Departments on whether they've created online portals for submitting and processing Form 299, the paperwork needed to place communications equipment like cell towers on public lands or national forests. Reports to Congress are due every 60 days until both departments confirm the online systems exist. The bill does not itself create an online system or require one be built.
Who does it affect?
Telecommunications companies that file Form 299 to build infrastructure on federal lands are directly affected. Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce gain new reporting duties, and rural communities awaiting better cell or internet service could be indirectly affected.
Why does it matter?
Faster processing of Form 299 could speed up infrastructure projects, but the bill only mandates reporting on progress and obstacles rather than requiring the portals be built.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 26, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 4, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-486, Part I.