Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8576
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-14T17:00:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 (H.R. 8576) directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create two grant programs for states. The goal is to boost enrollment in the Lifeline program—an existing FCC initiative that offers discounts on phone and internet services for low-income households—by funding state outreach efforts and improving eligibility verification systems.
Key Provisions
Lifeline Enrollment Outreach Grants (Section 2)
- Competitive grants to states (including U.S. states, D.C., territories, and Indian Tribes) to inform covered individuals (eligible low-income people not yet enrolled or potentially eligible based on participation in programs like SNAP) about Lifeline benefits.
- Application requirements: States must submit data on covered individuals, a detailed plan involving state agencies, and estimated reach.
- Award criteria: Grants to at least 25% of applicants, prioritizing states with more covered individuals, high-reach plans, and geographic diversity.
- Allowed uses: Outreach to individuals and organizations serving them; info on applying (including one-per-household rule); partnerships with nonprofits for application help and tech advice.
- Implementation: FCC conducts state outreach; issues regulations within 30 days (exempt from standard notice-and-comment rulemaking); submits effectiveness report to Congress after 3 years.
- Funding: Authorizes necessary appropriations for 5 fiscal years.
Grants to Strengthen National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (Section 3)
- Non-competitive grants to states that apply within 30 days, to connect state databases (e.g., benefits like SNAP) to the FCC's National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier—a system that checks household eligibility automatically.
- Timeline: Program established within 90 days; funds disbursed within 120 days.
- Funding: Authorizes necessary appropriations.
Enforcement: Violations treated as breaches of the Communications Act of 1934, with FCC enforcement powers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces new FCC grant programs not previously authorized, building on the existing Lifeline regulations (47 C.F.R. Part 54, Subpart E).
- Exempts implementation regulations from Administrative Procedure Act (APA) notice-and-comment requirements and Paperwork Reduction Act reviews, allowing faster rollout.
- No direct amendments to Lifeline rules, but enhances them via state-FCC data connections and outreach.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: FCC gains new administrative duties (grant management, reporting); states receive funds to partner with agencies/nonprofits, potentially increasing Lifeline enrollment.
- Citizens: Low-income households (especially eligible non-enrollees) gain better access to affordable broadband/phone via improved awareness and verification, promoting digital inclusion.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- FCC: Leads program creation, grant awards, and enforcement.
- States and Indian Tribes: Eligible for grants; must develop plans and connect databases.
- Low-income individuals and households: Primary beneficiaries through easier Lifeline access.
- Nonprofits and community organizations: Partners for outreach and assistance.
- Telecom providers: Indirectly benefit from higher Lifeline participation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Expedited processes: Bypasses standard rulemaking (APA §553) and paperwork reviews, enabling quick action but potentially limiting public input.
- Enforcement alignment: Integrates with Communications Act, ensuring FCC's full authority (fines, etc.) without new mechanisms.
- Fiscal: Authorizes but does not appropriate funds, requiring congressional budgeting.
- Equity focus: Targets underserved groups (low-income, tribal areas), aligning with digital equity goals; no apparent constitutional issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-04-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-29 — PDF (10 pages)