Permitting Transparency and Accountability Act

Permitting Transparency and Accountability Act (S. 1735) would require federal agencies that issue permits to post a webpage tracking the status of permit applications. For each application, the page would need to show which review stages have been completed, how many days each stage took, the application's current status and how long it has been there, contact information for the officials reviewing it at the issuing agency and any other agency involved in the review, the remaining steps needed before a decision, and an estimated timeline for that decision.

The requirement applies to any federal agency that issues permits (referred to in the bill as "licenses" under existing federal law), as well as other agencies that review or participate in the permitting process without issuing the permit themselves. In practice, this would affect businesses, organizations, and individuals applying for federal permits, giving them more visibility into where their application stands and who is handling it, as well as the agency staff responsible for maintaining this public information.

The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 13, 2025, by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) with several cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. On August 6, 2026, the committee ordered it reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of a substitute, meaning the committee approved a revised version of the bill. Next, it would go to the full Senate for consideration; the text of the committee's substitute amendment was not included in the material provided.

Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.