National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9463
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T21:21:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation establishes the National Fab Lab Network as a nonprofit corporation to create and support a national network of local digital fabrication facilities (fab labs). These facilities aim to provide universal access to advanced manufacturing tools for workforce development, STEM education, invention, business creation, personalized production, and risk mitigation.
Key Provisions
- Definition of fab lab: A facility equipped with computer-controlled machines for additive and subtractive processes, electronic circuit tools, short-run production materials, and 3D design workflows, committed to community education, innovation, and social impact.
- Establishment: Creates the National Fab Lab Network as a nonprofit under the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act, independent of the U.S. government.
- Goals: Promote universal access to digital fabrication, foster fab labs, build a connected national network, enhance STEM skills, support job creation, and develop new educational methods.
- Activities: Includes establishing at least one fab lab per congressional district (prioritizing underserved areas), maintaining a national registry, issuing standards, distributing funds, and facilitating partnerships.
- Governance: Board of 7–15 members representing geographic regions, Tribal communities, institutions, nonprofits, and the Fab Foundation; initial members appointed by congressional leaders (two each from Senate majority/minority and House Speaker/minority leader).
- Powers and restrictions: Allows coordination, funding, property management, and contracting while prohibiting stock issuance, dividends, loans to insiders, and claims of government authority.
- Reporting: Requires annual reports to Senate and House committees on activities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces a new federally chartered nonprofit entity dedicated to fab labs, modeled on other congressionally established organizations. It does not amend existing statutes but references the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act for operational rules. The exclusive right to the name "National Fab Lab Network" and related emblems represents a novel statutory protection for this network.
Potential Impacts
- Citizens and communities: Expands access to fabrication tools in underserved areas, potentially boosting local innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and self-sufficiency.
- Government agencies: Minimal direct involvement, as the entity operates independently, though agencies may partner for workforce or STEM programs.
- International relations: Builds on existing global fab lab efforts, potentially strengthening U.S. leadership in digital fabrication technology and education without formal diplomatic changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Existing and prospective fab labs, the Fab Foundation, and related MakerSpaces.
- Educational institutions, libraries, and research organizations.
- Underserved communities, Tribal groups, and diverse demographic populations.
- Entrepreneurs, workers seeking new skills, and local governments or nonprofits seeking to establish facilities.
- Congressional leaders involved in board appointments.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Creates a hybrid public-private structure with congressional oversight via board appointments and reporting, while maintaining nonprofit independence and tax-exempt status rules.
- Constitutional: Congress exercises its authority to charter nonprofits, similar to historical precedents, without making the entity a federal agency.
- Political: Emphasizes bipartisan board selection and focus on equity in access, with potential for broad coalition support across education, technology, and economic development interests.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-25 — PDF (13 pages)