Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8866
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-26T14:34:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation, titled the Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026, amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to reauthorize and update the regional innovation program. Its primary goal is to support regional efforts that promote technology-based economic development through initiatives that foster innovation, commercialization, and access to capital in defined geographic areas.
Key Provisions
- Updates the program's objectives to explicitly include increasing access to capital for innovation-based businesses.
- Revises the definition of "venture development organization" to emphasize direct financing, commercialization services, and tailored entrepreneurial support.
- Requires the Secretary of Commerce to make awards for regional innovation initiatives, subject to available appropriations, rather than making them optional.
- Adjusts the federal cost-share limit to a base of 50 percent, with an optional additional 40 percent based on regional needs.
- Expands outreach requirements to prioritize rural communities, areas affected by trade, economically distressed regions, and collaborations with local workforce boards.
- Authorizes the use of previously unobligated funds and provides $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
- Enhances coordination with the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation and incorporates data from the related Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Replaces permissive language with mandatory requirements for program implementation.
- Introduces a new focus on capital access within the program's goals.
- Modifies the cost-sharing formula and removes one existing provision on matching requirements.
- Broadens the scope of eligible outreach and coordination activities.
- Establishes a new multi-year funding authorization while allowing flexibility with prior-year funds.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Increases administrative responsibilities for the Department of Commerce in award-making, outreach, and interagency coordination.
- On citizens and regions: May expand support for innovation activities in underserved areas, potentially aiding job creation and business growth through workforce collaborations and capital access.
- No direct effects on international relations are outlined in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State and nonprofit venture development organizations.
- Innovation-centered businesses, start-ups, and founders in targeted regions.
- Rural communities, trade-impacted areas, and regions with persistent economic distress.
- Local workforce investment boards.
- Federal agencies including the Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, and National Science Foundation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill contains no provisions that alter constitutional powers or raise apparent legal conflicts. It operates within existing congressional authority over appropriations and economic development programs. The reauthorization and funding structure reflect standard legislative practice for extending federal support to regional initiatives without introducing new regulatory mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-05-15: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-15 — PDF (5 pages)