Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2015

This bill, the Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2015, aims to increase the transparency and accountability of the FCC by establishing stricter rules for how the agency operates and interacts with the public. It requires the FCC to set minimum timeframes for public comment on new regulations, ensuring that citizens and businesses have a guaranteed opportunity to voice their opinions before rules are finalized. Additionally, the bill mandates that the FCC provide more frequent public updates on its website regarding its budget, the status of pending proceedings, and a searchable database of consumer complaints.

For the average citizen, these changes are designed to make the federal rulemaking process more predictable and accessible. By requiring the FCC to publish the specific text of proposed rules in advance and meet deadlines for processing petitions, the bill seeks to reduce administrative delays and prevent "behind-the-scenes" decision-making. It also allows a bipartisan majority of commissioners to meet privately for collaborative discussions—provided no official votes are taken and the meeting is disclosed shortly after—which is intended to encourage more cooperation within the agency.