FREE Act
The FREE Act (S 238) changes how federal agencies issue permits by replacing discretionary, lengthy reviews with a "permitting by rule" system. Agencies must first report on all permit types, then establish clear written standards applicants certify they meet - eliminating detailed agency reviews for qualifying permits. If applicants meet all standards, permits auto-approve after 180 days unless the agency disapproves with specific reasons. This directly affects federal agencies (like the EPA or Corps of Engineers) and permit applicants (e.g., businesses, developers), shifting oversight to post-approval audits instead of pre-approval gatekeeping.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jan 23, 2025
Last action Jan 23, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 23, 2025
Committee
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
upper
Jan 23, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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