Digital Literacy and Equity Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7302
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Digital Literacy and Equity Act of 2026 aims to create a federal commission to study the current state of digital literacy (the skills to use technology to find, evaluate, create, and share information) and information literacy (the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and use information effectively) in the United States. It focuses on promoting equity, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities, by identifying best practices, recommending improvements, and enhancing government coordination.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of the Commission: Creates the Digital Literacy and Equity Commission as an independent body to conduct a comprehensive study.
- Study Duties:
- Assess existing federal, state, and local programs for digital and information literacy.
- Evaluate literacy levels in low-income areas (defined as areas with household incomes below 80% of the state median, based on census data) and disadvantaged communities.
- Review international programs aimed at improving these skills.
- Identify strategies and best practices to sustain and expand literacy nationwide.
- Membership and Operations:
- Composed of 9 to 14 members, including delegates from key federal roles (e.g., Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications, FCC Chairperson, Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development).
- Additional members appointed by the Commission Chairperson (3 experts from diverse backgrounds in public, private, academic, or nonprofit sectors) and the President (up to 5 from other federal agencies).
- Led by the Secretary of Education (or delegate) as Chairperson and the FCC Chairperson (or delegate) as Vice Chairperson.
- Requires an initial meeting within 90 days of enactment, followed by meetings at least every 4 months; all meetings are open to the public, with a majority quorum for decisions.
- Powers: The Commission can hold public hearings, gather testimony, and collect evidence to support its work.
- Reporting Requirements: Within 2 years of member appointments, submit a report to Congress including study findings, recommendations for improving literacy through education and outreach (with emphasis on equity), a method to measure national digital literacy, and a plan for better coordination among federal agencies.
- Definitions: Provides clear terms for "digital literacy," "information literacy," "disadvantaged area," and "low-income" (referencing existing housing law definitions).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces entirely new law by establishing the Commission, which did not previously exist. It does not amend specific statutes but builds on existing programs (e.g., those under the FCC or Department of Education) by mandating a coordinated study and reporting framework. No direct repeals or modifications to prior laws are included.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases interagency collaboration (e.g., among Education, Commerce, FCC, HHS, and HUD departments) to develop shared literacy initiatives; may lead to new federal programs or funding priorities for measurement and outreach, potentially straining resources during the 2-year study period.
- Citizens: Could improve access to digital skills training, especially for low-income and disadvantaged individuals, reducing the "digital divide" (gaps in technology access and skills) and enhancing opportunities in education, employment, and health. Benefits may extend to broader populations through community programs.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but the study's review of foreign programs could inform U.S. policies and foster informal exchanges with other countries on best practices, without binding commitments.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Agencies like the Departments of Education, Commerce, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development; FCC and Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- State, Local, and Community Entities: Programs serving low-income and disadvantaged areas, including schools, libraries, and nonprofits focused on education and equity.
- Citizens and Communities: Particularly low-income households, underserved rural or urban areas, educators, students, and workers needing digital skills for daily life and jobs.
- Private and Nonprofit Sectors: Experts, academic institutions, and organizations involved in digital training, who may contribute to or benefit from Commission recommendations.
- Appointed Experts: Diverse individuals from public, private, and cultural backgrounds serving on the Commission.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The Commission's public meetings and hearing powers align with standard federal advisory committee rules (e.g., under the Federal Advisory Committee Act), ensuring transparency without creating enforceable regulations—recommendations are advisory only.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it supports the government's role in promoting general welfare (e.g., education and equity) under Article I, but avoids mandating spending or infringing on state rights by focusing on federal coordination and studies.
- Political: Encourages bipartisan focus on digital equity amid growing concerns over technology access; could influence future legislation on broadband or education funding, but as a study commission, it has limited immediate authority and depends on congressional action for implementation. The diverse membership promotes inclusivity, potentially broadening political support.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Digital Literacy and Equity Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-30 — PDF (7 pages)