Bill · H.R. 278· House(119-HR-278)
BROADBAND Leadership Act
- Introduced
- 1/9/2025
- Last activity
- 1/9/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- H. Griffith
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The BROADBAND Leadership Act aims to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to streamline the process of siting telecommunications service facilities. It seeks to remove barriers to entry by prohibiting State or local regulations that prevent the provision or enhancement of telecommunications services. The bill establishes specific timeframes for governments to grant or deny requests regarding the placement, construction, or modification of these facilities. It also includes provisions for "deemed granted" status if a decision is not made within the required time. Additionally, the act outlines rules for fees, judicial review, and the potential for federal preemption of inconsistent local regulations.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+7
The bill facilitates faster deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, which is essential for expanding broadband access.
Does this give the federal government more power?+6
The bill grants the FCC preemption authority over inconsistent state and local regulations regarding telecommunications siting.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically addresses rural markets to ensure competitors can provide service more easily.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
The bill restricts the ability of state and local governments to regulate or delay telecommunications facility placements.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Streamlined Infrastructure Deployment: The bill prohibits State or local statutes or regulations from having the effect of prohibiting the ability of any entity to provide or enhance telecommunications services (Section 2, subsection a).
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Prevention of Discrimination: The bill prevents State or local governments from discriminating among facilities based on technology or services, or against facilities compared to other types of regulations (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 1).
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Faster Decision Making: The bill requires governments to grant or deny requests within specific timeframes—90 days for requests involving eligible support infrastructure and 150 days for other actions (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 2, subparagraph A).
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Automatic Approvals: If a government fails to act within the required timeframe, the request can be "deemed granted" once the requesting party provides written notice of the failure to act (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 3).
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Access to Legal Redress: Individuals or entities adversely affected by inconsistent local regulations or actions can commence legal action in court, which must be decided on an expedited basis (Section 2, subsection c).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Reduced Local Control over Timelines: The bill limits the ability of State or local governments to use moratoria to pause the timeframe for processing requests (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 2, subparagraph C).
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Mandatory Transparency Requirements for Local Governments: If a government finds a request incomplete, it must provide specific written notices that include citations to public rules or standards (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 2, subparagraph D, clause iii).
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Strict Limitations on Denials: Any decision by a government to deny a request must be in writing, supported by substantial evidence in a written record, and released publicly on the same day the decision is made (Section 2, subsection b, paragraph 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Urban Residents+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+7
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+6Increase States Rights-5
- 1/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House