Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act

Hozzl · 2025-12-04T09:06:48Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1588 Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/4/2025, 9:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1588

Bill 119 HR 1588, also known as the "Online Form 299 Portal Act," aims to address the issue of barriers preventing the establishment of online portals for processing and disposing of certain Form 299s. The bill specifically requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to report to Congress on any obstacles hindering the creation of these online portals.

Form 299s are important documents used in various industries for reporting and compliance purposes. By requiring the Assistant Secretary to provide a detailed report on the barriers to establishing online portals for these forms, Congress hopes to identify and address any challenges that may be preventing the efficient processing and disposal of Form 299s.

The bill emphasizes the importance of modernizing and streamlining processes related to Form 299s, recognizing the potential benefits of online portals in improving efficiency and reducing administrative burdens. By requiring a report on barriers to establishing these portals, Congress aims to facilitate the development of more effective and user-friendly systems for handling Form 299s. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1588 seeks to promote innovation and efficiency in the processing of Form 299s by addressing any obstacles that may be impeding the establishment of online portals for these important documents.

Congressional Summary of HR 1588

Facilitating the Deployment of Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications Act or the Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act

This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to periodically report on the development of online portals for the acceptance, processing, and disposal of applications for communications use authorizations. Communications use authorizations are requests for easements, rights-of-way, leases, licenses, or other authorizations to locate or modify a transmitting device, support structure, or other communications facility on public lands or National Forest System land.

Specifically, the NTIA must report to Congress about (1) whether the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service have each established a portal, and (2) any barriers to establishing the portals. The NTIA must submit the first report within 90 days of the enactment of the bill and additional reports every 60 days thereafter until the portals are established.

Additionally, Interior and the Forest Service must notify the NTIA within three business days of establishing their respective portals.

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Current Status of Bill HR 1588

Bill HR 1588 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 26, 2025. Bill HR 1588 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 26, 2025. Bill HR 1588's most recent activity was Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 50 - 0. as of December 3, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1588

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1588

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1588

To require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to report to Congress on any barriers to establishing online portals to accept, process, and dispose of certain Form 299s, and for other purposes.