Bills · S 238
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 238Licensing and registrationsAdministrative law and regulatory procedures
FREE Act
INTRO JAN 23· LAST ACTION JAN 23
READING
11MIN
COSPONSORS
5
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses widespread frustration with slow and complex government permit processes, which can delay projects, increase costs, and hinder economic activity. If this bill becomes law, it could significantly speed up how quickly businesses and individuals can get federal approvals for various activities, potentially cutting down on bureaucratic red tape and saving money. The shift to "permitting by rule" means less subjective judgment and more clear-cut criteria, with built-in deadlines to prevent indefinite delays.
If the bill does not pass, federal permitting processes would likely continue as they are, with broad agency discretion, potential for lengthy reviews, and a lack of strict timelines for many applications. This would mean ongoing delays and higher administrative burdens for both applicants and the government, perpetuating a system described by Congress as "tedious, time consuming, and often expensive."
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Each federal agency must evaluate its current permit systems, detailing every type of permit, the requirements, the review steps, and typical approval times.
This creates a comprehensive inventory and assessment of existing permitting processes, identifying inefficiencies and areas ripe for reform.
PROVISION 02
Agencies must determine if "permitting by rule" could replace their current system for each type of permit, either entirely or in part.
This introduces a fundamental shift in how permits might be issued, favoring clear standards and certifications over extensive discretionary review.
PROVISION 03
Agencies must submit a detailed report to Congress within 240 days (with a potential 90-day extension) summarizing their findings and anticipated challenges.
This ensures transparency and provides Congress with the necessary information to oversee agencies' progress and adherence to the bill's requirements.
PROVISION 04
For permits identified as suitable, agencies must establish a "permitting by rule" application process within 12 months after their report, outlining specific standards and allowing for applicant self-certification.
This is the core mechanism for implementing the bill's objectives, creating the streamlined process for applicants to follow.
PROVISION 05
Under "permitting by rule," a complete application is automatically granted if the agency fails to approve or disapprove it within 180 days.
This provision introduces a strong incentive for agencies to act promptly, preventing indefinite delays and providing certainty for applicants.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 5
R· Wyoming
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
47
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 5 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 23
Introduced in Senate
JAN 23
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 238
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 23, 2025
Last actionJan 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025
Senate BillS 238Licensing and registrationsAdministrative law and regulatory procedures
FREE Act
INTRODUCED JAN 23, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
11 min
COSPONSORS
5
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
