Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1975

Introduced
3/10/25  

Caption

BEAD FEE Act of 2025 Broadband Expansion And Deployment Fee Equity and Efficiency Act of 2025

Impact

The bill is poised to impact state laws by regulating how local government entities charge fees for approving requests related to broadband infrastructure. Specifically, it requires that any such fees must be competitively and technology-neutral, publicly disclosed, and based on actual and direct costs. This legislation is designed to make it easier for service providers to deploy broadband infrastructure, potentially leading to improved service availability and lower costs for consumers. The amendments will likely provide a regulatory framework aimed at preventing excessive or discriminatory pricing by local authorities.

Summary

House Bill 1975, known as the Broadband Expansion And Deployment Fee Equity and Efficiency Act of 2025 or the BEAD FEE Act of 2025, aims to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by imposing requirements on states and political subdivisions regarding fees associated with broadband infrastructure. To qualify for grant funds under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, eligible entities must streamline fees related to the placement and construction of broadband infrastructure. This is intended to eliminate barriers to deployment and encourage wider access to broadband services across various communities.

Contention

Despite its pro-broadband deployment intent, the bill is not without points of contention. Critics may argue that such a federally mandated approach could reduce local governments' ability to manage their specific needs and operational parameters effectively. There is also concern regarding the balancing act between streamlining processes to foster growth in broadband access while ensuring that the processes remain equitable and adaptive to community needs. The bill might face opposition from localities that believe in their right to set fees based on local economic conditions.

Congress_id

119-HR-1975

Policy_area

Science, Technology, Communications

Notable_points

Notably, the bill outlines specific criteria for allowable fees, distinguishing between nonrecurring and recurring fees, and mandates a clear explanation to requesting parties on how these fees are calculated. This level of detail indicates a legislative focus on transparency and fairness, which may help prevent arbitrary fee setting and promote trust between municipalities and internet service providers.

Introduced_date

2025-03-10

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB3298

BEAD FEE Act of 2023 Broadband Expansion And Deployment Fee Equity and Efficiency Act of 2023

US HB3557

American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023

US HB7376

Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act

US HB3307

Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act of 2023

US HB3342

SPEED for Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2023 Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment for Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2023

US HB6494

PIPES Act of 2023 Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety Act of 2023

US HB7655

Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2024

US HB3343

Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act

US HB5886

Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023

US HB922

RURAL Broadband Act of 2023 Reprioritizing Unserved Rural Areas and Locations for Broadband Act of 2023

Similar Bills

CA AB2163

Rural Broadband and Emergency Infrastructure Grant Act of 2020.

CA AB41

Broadband infrastructure deployment.

HI SB1390

Relating To Broadband Infrastructure.

HI SB917

Relating To Broadband Service Infrastructure.

CA SB4

Communications: California Advanced Services Fund.

CA AB1409

California Teleconnect Fund Administrative Committee Fund: Digital Divide Grant Program: homework gap projects.

CA AB2104

California Advanced Services Fund.

HI SB1296

Relating To Broadband.