RAPID Act

House Votes

This bill would speed up installing small personal wireless service facilities by skipping certain federal reviews. It says these projects would not trigger environmental reviews under NEPA and would not count as historic preservation “undertakings” under federal law, which can shorten permitting time for small wireless buildouts.

It also sets a 45-day clock for certain Tribal reviews tied to FCC Forms 620 or 621. If a Tribe receives one of these forms (or is reasonably expected to) and does not act within 45 days, the company is presumed to have made a good-faith effort, and the Tribe is presumed to have no interest in that specific project. Tribes can overcome this presumption by showing, for example, that the company didn’t reasonably follow up between days 30 and 50 after submitting the form, or that FCC rules/forms conflict with a Nationwide Programmatic Agreement. The bill defines the “Commission” as the FCC and includes related terms for clarity.

Key points

• Who is affected: Wireless providers installing small facilities; nearby communities; Tribal governments involved in cultural or historic reviews.
• What changes: No NEPA or federal historic review for small personal wireless service facility projects; 45-day response window for certain Tribal reviews, with a path for Tribes to challenge the presumption if follow-up was lacking or rules conflict with agreements.
• Why it matters: Could lead to faster placement of small wireless equipment in communities by reducing federal review steps and setting clear timelines for Tribal consultation processes.