DIGITAL Applications Act

Bill Number

H.R. 1665

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T23:41:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The DIGITAL Applications Act aims to modernize and streamline the process for authorizing communications infrastructure on federal lands by requiring federal agencies to create online systems for handling applications. This facilitates faster deployment of telecommunications facilities, such as cell towers or broadband equipment, on public lands and national forests to improve connectivity.

Key Provisions

• Establishment of Online Portals: Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of the Interior (for the Department of the Interior) and the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Chief of the Forest Service) must each create an online portal specific to their department. These portals will accept, process, and approve or deny Form 299 applications for "communications use authorizations."
• Notification and Public Access: Each secretary must notify the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information within three business days of launching their portal. The Assistant Secretary must then publish links to these portals on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) website for public access.
• Definitions: The bill defines key terms, including:
• Form 299: A standard application form (established under a 2012 law) for requesting rights-of-way or easements on federal lands.
• Communications Use Authorization: Permissions like easements, leases, or licenses to place or modify facilities (e.g., antennas or cables) on federal lands primarily for telecommunications.
• Covered Lands: Public lands managed by the Interior Department and National Forest System lands managed by the Agriculture Department.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Prior to this act, Form 299 applications for communications infrastructure on federal lands were typically submitted via paper or less efficient methods, often leading to delays. This bill mandates fully digital online portals, shifting from manual to automated processing.
• It builds on the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (which created Form 299) by requiring integration with NTIA oversight, ensuring centralized visibility without altering the underlying authorization criteria.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture will need to invest in technology and training to build and maintain portals, potentially reducing administrative backlogs and processing times for thousands of annual applications.
• On Citizens: Improved broadband and wireless coverage in rural or remote areas on federal lands, enhancing access to internet services, emergency communications, and economic opportunities.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly support U.S. competitiveness in global telecommunications by accelerating domestic infrastructure.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Telecommunications Companies and Providers: Primary beneficiaries, as they can submit and track Form 299 applications more efficiently for building or upgrading facilities like 5G towers.
• Federal Agencies: Departments of the Interior, Agriculture (Forest Service), and Commerce (NTIA) must implement and oversee the portals.
• Land Users and Communities: Rural residents, businesses, and indigenous groups near covered lands may gain better connectivity; environmental or recreational users could see more infrastructure but with existing safeguards.
• General Public: Taxpayers fund agency implementation, but overall benefits include faster national broadband expansion.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces existing federal land management laws (e.g., Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976) by digitizing processes without changing approval standards, potentially reducing litigation over delays. Ensures compliance with the 2012 Act's goals for efficient right-of-way processing.
• Constitutional: No major issues; it aligns with Congress's authority over federal lands and commerce, promoting public welfare through infrastructure without infringing on property rights.
• Political: Supports bipartisan priorities like rural broadband expansion (e.g., tying into initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). Could face debate over environmental impacts of new facilities, but the bill maintains agency discretion in approvals.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-17: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
• 2026-03-16: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2026-03-16: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2511-2512)
• 2026-03-16: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2511-2512)
• 2026-03-16: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1665.
• 2026-03-16: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2511-2513)
• 2026-03-16: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
• 2026-02-04: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 416.
• 2026-02-04: Committee on Agriculture discharged.
• 2026-02-04: Committee on Agriculture discharged.
• 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-487, Part II.
• 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-487, Part II.
• 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-487, Part I.
• 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-487, Part I.
• 2025-12-03: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.

Bill Versions

• Deploying Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications Act — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (6 pages)
• Deploying Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications Act — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (4 pages)
• Deploying Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications Act — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (5 pages)
• Deploying Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications Act — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (8 pages)