Commercial Remote Sensing Amendment Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Lucas
Passed House
Summary
Transparent licensing of commercial remote sensing systems is the bill's core aim, paired with faster agency decisions and stronger reporting. It would shorten NOAA's review clock and expand annual disclosures about licenses and restrictions.
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- Commercial satellite companies would get quicker licensing decisions. NOAA would have 60 days to review applications instead of 120 days.
- Current and prospective license holders would see any terms, conditions, or restrictions placed on them listed in the annual report.
- Congress and the public would receive an annual, tiered list of all applications and granted licenses with the rationale for each tier, and the reporting requirement is reinstated through 2030.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
License authority for satellite imaging extended
If enacted, this would keep the federal power to issue and set terms for commercial remote sensing licenses through September 30, 2030. It would take effect upon enactment. It would not change licensing standards or add funding. Companies that build or operate imaging satellites would keep a clear path to apply for licenses.
New reporting rules for remote-sensing firms
This bill would shorten two reporting deadlines from 120 days to 60 days. It would require annual reports to list all license terms and to list all applications and licenses by tier, with the reason for each tier. It would also update a statutory cross‑reference tied to license notifications. If passed, this could improve transparency for applicants and the public but add paperwork and tighter timelines for agencies and firms.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lucas
OK • R
Cosponsors
Lofgren
CA • D
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov