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Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
8/9/2025, 5:26 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1618
Bill 119 hr 1618, also known as the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2019, aims to improve the use of technology in agriculture by requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review and potentially revise certain rules to better support precision agriculture.
Precision agriculture involves using technology such as GPS, sensors, and data analytics to optimize farming practices and increase efficiency. However, many farmers in rural areas face challenges with connectivity and access to reliable broadband internet, which is essential for implementing these technologies.
The bill directs the FCC to assess current regulations that may be hindering the deployment of broadband infrastructure in rural areas and to develop recommendations for rule changes that would promote precision agriculture. This includes considering ways to increase access to spectrum resources, streamline permitting processes for broadband infrastructure deployment, and improve coordination between federal agencies to support precision agriculture initiatives. Overall, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act aims to bridge the digital divide in rural areas and support the adoption of technology in agriculture to increase productivity and sustainability.
Precision agriculture involves using technology such as GPS, sensors, and data analytics to optimize farming practices and increase efficiency. However, many farmers in rural areas face challenges with connectivity and access to reliable broadband internet, which is essential for implementing these technologies.
The bill directs the FCC to assess current regulations that may be hindering the deployment of broadband infrastructure in rural areas and to develop recommendations for rule changes that would promote precision agriculture. This includes considering ways to increase access to spectrum resources, streamline permitting processes for broadband infrastructure deployment, and improve coordination between federal agencies to support precision agriculture initiatives. Overall, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act aims to bridge the digital divide in rural areas and support the adoption of technology in agriculture to increase productivity and sustainability.
Congressional Summary of HR 1618
Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review and recommend changes to its satellite rules to promote precision agriculture. Precision agriculture is a general term describing various crop management tools and practices that leverage technology like Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and uncrewed aircraft systems (commonly known as drones) to optimize production and sustainability.
In conducting its review, the FCC must consult with the Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture, which advises the FCC on methods to assess and advance broadband internet on unserved agricultural land and promote precision agriculture.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 1618
Bill HR 1618 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since July 15, 2025. Bill HR 1618 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 26, 2025. Bill HR 1618's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of July 15, 2025
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1618
Total Number of Sponsors
11Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
11Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1618
Primary Policy Focus
Science, Technology, CommunicationsAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1618
To require the Federal Communications Commission to review certain rules of the Commission and develop recommendations for rule changes to promote precision agriculture, and for other purposes.
To require the Federal Communications Commission to review certain rules of the Commission and develop recommendations for rule changes to promote precision agriculture, and for other purposes.
Comments
Coraline Buckley
42,543
8 months ago
How does this bill help farmers like me? Who benefits from it?
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 1618
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