FREE Act

This bill aims to speed up and simplify many federal permits. It tells each agency to look at its current permit process, set clear written standards, and consider a “permit by rule” option. Under this option, you certify you meet the standards and the agency has a firm deadline to respond. If the agency doesn’t act within 180 days after a complete application, the permit is granted, while the agency keeps the power to audit, require fixes, or revoke if rules aren’t met . The bill’s findings say today’s permit systems are often slow, with few time limits; “permit by rule” shifts effort from gatekeeping to auditing those who break the rules, to reduce delays and costs.

Agencies must report to Congress within 240 days on all their permit types, steps, timelines, and which permits could move to the faster system. They can ask the public for input. If they miss the report deadline, applicants who sue over unreasonable delays and win can get attorney fees. Within 12 months after that report, agencies must set up the new application processes where suitable. GAO will review agency reports and progress. Agencies may keep the old system alongside the new one if it still adds value, and applicants can choose which path to use .

• Who is affected:

  • People, nonprofits, and businesses that need federal permits
  • Federal agencies that issue permits

• What changes:

  • Clear, written checklists for what’s required
  • Simple applications based on your certification you meet the standards
  • 7-day notice if a required certification is missing
  • Default approval after 180 days if the agency doesn’t act
  • Agencies can audit, require fixes, suspend, or revoke permits; applicants can appeal in court, and the agency must prove its case
  • Agencies can keep both old and new systems; applicants choose which to use

• When:

  • Agency report due within 240 days of enactment
  • New “permit by rule” processes set up within 12 months after that report
  • GAO reviews shortly after report deadlines and after agencies report on implementation
  • Attorney fees may apply if agencies miss the initial report deadline and a court finds they unreasonably delayed action