4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Mar 16, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The diff reflects the bill's procedural status change from being engrossed in the House to being referred to the Senate, including updated legislative headers and footers. No substantive policy changes were made between v3 and v4.

H.R. 1665119th CongressIntroduced Feb 27, 2025

DIGITAL Applications Act

Passed HouseScience, Technology, CommunicationsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3]
Committees: Agriculture Committee (primary)
Last action: Mar 17, 2026

Bottom line

The DIGITAL Applications Act requires federal land management agencies to create online systems for processing communications infrastructure permits, aiming to modernize and expedite deployment.

What it actually does

This bill mandates that the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture establish online portals within one year of enactment. These portals will be used for the acceptance, processing, and disposal of Form 299 applications, which are required for communications use authorizations on public lands and National Forest System land. The legislation aims to digitize and streamline the administrative process for installing or modifying communications facilities on federal lands.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that establishing online portals will significantly reduce administrative burdens, accelerate the deployment of critical communications infrastructure, and improve efficiency for applicants seeking to install or modify facilities on federal lands. This modernization is seen as essential for expanding broadband access and improving connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas, by cutting down on bureaucratic delays.

Opponents contend

Critics might contend that while the intent to modernize is positive, the bill imposes an unfunded mandate on federal agencies, potentially straining existing resources without providing additional appropriations for the development, maintenance, and cybersecurity of these new portals. Concerns could also be raised about the security and reliability of new digital systems, or that the bill only addresses the submission method rather than the underlying substantive review process, thus not fully resolving permitting delays.

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, allowing any interested reader to understand its core provisions quickly and thoroughly.

Section 2(a)(1)

Establishment of Online Portals for Communications Use Authorizations

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to each establish an online portal within one year of the bill's enactment. These portals are specifically designed for the acceptance, processing, and disposal of Form 299 applications related to communications use authorizations. This means that applications for placing or modifying communications facilities on public lands and National Forest System land will transition from potentially paper-based systems to a fully digital platform.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupTelecommunications companies and infrastructure developersImpactExpedited and simplified application process for communications facilitiesMechanismDigital submission and processing of Form 299sScaleAffects all future applications for communications facilities on covered federal lands.

GroupDepartment of the Interior and Department of AgricultureImpactNew mandate for developing, implementing, and maintaining online systemsMechanismRequirement to establish online portals within one yearScaleImpacts agency IT infrastructure, budget, and operational procedures.

GroupRural and remote communitiesImpactPotential for faster deployment of broadband and communications servicesMechanismReduced permitting delays for infrastructure projectsScaleBroad societal benefit through improved connectivity.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this provision is a critical step towards modernizing outdated federal permitting processes, which are often slow and cumbersome. Digitizing the Form 299 process will significantly reduce red tape, improve transparency, and accelerate the deployment of essential communications infrastructure, thereby benefiting economic development and public safety.

Critics contend

Opponents might contend that while the goal of digitization is laudable, the one-year deadline for establishing these portals could be overly ambitious for federal agencies, especially without dedicated funding. This could lead to rushed implementations, security vulnerabilities, or the diversion of resources from other critical agency functions.

Tradeoffs

This provision navigates the tension between the urgent need for faster communications infrastructure deployment and the practical challenges federal agencies face in rapidly developing and securing new digital platforms within existing budgetary and personnel constraints.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.