Us Congress House Bill HB3299

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/23
• Refer: 5/15/23
• Report Pass: 5/24/23
• Refer: 6/1/23
• Refer: 7/8/24

Caption

DIGITAL Applications Act Deploying Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications Act

Impact

The anticipated impact of HB3299 includes streamlined procedures for securing communications use authorizations, which are vital for deploying communication infrastructure. By requiring the development of online portals, the bill is expected to minimize bureaucratic delays, making it easier for entities to navigate federal regulations associated with communications installations. This legislation aligns with broader efforts to improve technological processes within federal agencies and meet the evolving demands for faster communication deployment across the country.

Summary

House Bill 3299, titled the 'Deploying Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications Act,' mandates the establishment of online portals by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. These portals are specifically designed to accept, process, and dispose of Form 299 related to communications use authorizations. The bill aims to modernize the administrative processes concerning communication facilities on public and National Forest System lands, thereby enhancing efficiency in governmental operations and facilitating better access for users of these processes.

Contention

While the bill's intention to modernize infrastructure is largely viewed positively, there might be concerns regarding the extent of control given to federal agencies over communications facilities. Stakeholders may express apprehensions about potential bureaucratic overreach, especially if the implementation leads to delays in approvals or shifts the balance of power away from local entities that are better positioned to understand community needs in relation to communication infrastructure. Additionally, there could be debates around the adequacy of resources dedicated to maintaining and operating these online systems effectively.