H.R. 1731: Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining Act

This bill, titled the "Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining Act" or the "Standard FEES Act," aims to amend existing legislation regarding fees for processing applications for the placement of communications facilities on certain properties owned by the federal government. Here is a summary of its key provisions:

Uniform Fee Schedule

The bill requires the Administrator of General Services to create a uniform schedule of fees for processing specific forms related to applications for the installation of communications facilities. These forms are associated with easements, rights-of-way, or leases for placing such facilities on federal properties.

Guidelines for Fee Establishment

The fees will be based on:

• The direct costs incurred by the federal government in processing the related applications.
• A principle of competitiveness, ensuring that the fees for similar uses of federal property remain neutral and fair.

Exceptions to the Fee Schedule

There may be exceptions to these fees, which can be granted by the Administrator of General Services. Such exceptions must:

• Be competitively neutral among different individuals or entities seeking the exception.
• Consider public benefits related to the deployment of broadband internet access and the related infrastructure.
• Be applied in specific cases regarding easements, rights-of-way, or leases that promote broadband service expansion.

Implementation by Executive Agencies

Each federal agency must adopt regulations that align with the fee schedule established by the Administrator. They can also manage exceptions on a case-by-case basis based on the guidelines from the Administrator.

Use of Collected Fees

Any fees collected by an agency under this bill must be used solely for the costs associated with processing the specified forms. These funds must be allocated in advance as determined by appropriations legislation.

Superseding Other Statutes

This new fee structure will override any existing fees applicable under other laws for the processing of the same forms, number if applicable to the same forms.

Deadlines

• The Administrator of General Services has 30 days after the enactment of the bill to establish the new fee schedule.
• Executive agencies will then have 120 days to adopt the established fees and any exceptions outlined by the Administrator.

Relevant Companies

• T - AT&T Inc.: As a major telecommunications company, AT&T could be affected by changes in fees related to the installation of communication facilities, which may influence their operational costs for infrastructure development.
• VZ - Verizon Communications Inc.: Similar to AT&T, Verizon may face changes in expenses regarding the placement of their communication facilities on federal properties as a result of this bill.
• CMCSA - Comcast Corporation: With interests in broadband services, Comcast might be impacted by the establishment of fees which could affect their investment in communications infrastructure.