Standard FEES Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1731
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-488, Part I.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining Act (Standard FEES Act), H.R. 1731, aims to create a standardized system for charging fees when processing applications to place communications facilities—such as antennas or equipment for cell service or broadband—on federal government buildings and property. This is intended to make the process more efficient, consistent, and supportive of expanding internet access across the U.S.
Key Provisions
- Uniform Fee Schedule: The Administrator of General Services (GSA) must establish a single, nationwide fee structure for processing specific application forms related to easements, rights-of-way, leases, or contracts for communications facilities on federal property. Fees are based on the actual direct costs of processing and must be "competitively neutral," meaning they treat all applicants fairly without favoring certain providers.
- Exceptions to Fees: GSA can create limited exceptions to the fee schedule, such as waivers or reductions, if they promote public benefits (e.g., improving broadband access) or are applied equally to similar applicants. Exceptions consider the goal of expanding broadband internet service.
- Adoption by Agencies: Heads of all executive agencies (like the Department of Defense or Interior) must adopt the GSA's fee schedule and exceptions through their own regulations. Agencies can only grant individual exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
- Use of Collected Fees: Fees can only be used to cover processing costs and are subject to congressional appropriations (budget approvals). They replace any other existing fees under different laws for these applications.
- Deadlines: GSA must set the fee schedule within 30 days of the bill's enactment. Executive agencies must adopt it within 120 days after GSA's action.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (which deals with communications site placements on federal property) by adding a new subsection (d) on fees. It redesignates the existing subsection (d) as (e). The key change is introducing a mandatory uniform fee system across all federal agencies, overriding inconsistent or varying fees that agencies might currently charge under other statutes. This promotes standardization where previously fees could differ by agency or location.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Executive agencies will face new requirements to update regulations and process applications under a consistent fee model, potentially reducing administrative inconsistencies but adding short-term workload for implementation. Fees will help offset processing costs, subject to budget limits.
- On Citizens: Indirect benefits through faster deployment of communications infrastructure, which could improve broadband and mobile coverage in areas near federal properties, enhancing internet access for the public without direct costs to taxpayers (as fees come from applicants).
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic federal property and U.S. communications infrastructure.
- Overall, it could accelerate broadband expansion, supporting national goals for connectivity, but might increase costs for private applicants if fees are set higher than current practices.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Executive Agencies: Required to implement and enforce the new fee system, affecting how they manage property applications.
- Telecommunications and Broadband Providers: Primary applicants who will pay the standardized fees for placing facilities on federal sites; they benefit from streamlined processes and potential exceptions for public-interest projects.
- General Services Administration (GSA): Leads the creation and oversight of the fee schedule.
- General Public and Broadband Users: Indirectly affected through improved access to reliable internet services near federal buildings, such as post offices or military bases.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill ensures fees supersede conflicting laws, promoting uniformity and reducing legal disputes over varying charges. It ties fee use to appropriations, upholding congressional control over federal spending (a key budget principle).
- Constitutional: No major issues; it aligns with Congress's authority to regulate federal property and commerce, without infringing on free speech, property rights, or other protections.
- Political: Supports bipartisan goals of infrastructure modernization and broadband equity by streamlining bureaucracy, potentially appealing to tech industry advocates while maintaining fiscal oversight through appropriations. It could set a precedent for standardizing fees in other federal permitting processes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-488, Part I.
- 2026-02-04: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-488, Part I.
- 2025-12-03: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.
- 2025-12-03: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-11-18: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2025-11-18: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining Act — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (5 pages)