Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4438
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-29: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S2131-2132)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-14T17:00:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 (S. 4438) directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create two grant programs for states. The goal is to increase awareness of the Lifeline program—an existing FCC initiative that provides discounts on phone and broadband services for low-income households—and improve eligibility checks, helping more eligible people enroll.
Key Provisions
- Section 2: Lifeline Enrollment Outreach Grants (Competitive Program)
- FCC must establish a program awarding grants to at least 25% of applicant states (including U.S. states, D.C., territories, and Indian Tribes).
- Target audience: "Covered individuals," defined as people eligible for Lifeline but not enrolled, or potentially eligible based on household participation in qualifying programs (e.g., SNAP or Medicaid, per FCC rules).
- Application requirements: States submit data on covered individuals, outreach plans (listing partner agencies), and estimated reach.
- Selection criteria: Prioritizes states with more covered individuals, high estimated reach, and geographic diversity.
- Allowed uses:
- Inform covered individuals and serving organizations about eligibility and application process.
- Share Lifeline details, including the one-per-household rule.
- Partner with nonprofits experienced in digital access to help with applications and service options.
- FCC must conduct outreach to states, issue rules within 30 days (exempt from standard notice-and-comment process), and report to Congress after 3 years on notifications, enrollments, and cost-effectiveness.
- Enforcement treated as violations of the Communications Act; funding authorized for 5 fiscal years.
- Section 3: Grants to Strengthen National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier
- FCC provides grants to any "eligible entity" (states submitting a simple application within 30 days).
- Purpose: Connect state databases (e.g., for SNAP benefits) to the FCC's National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier—a national database—to automatically reflect benefit receipt and verify Lifeline eligibility.
- Timeline: Program established in 90 days; funds disbursed in 120 days.
- Funding authorized as needed.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- New grant programs: Adds funding mechanisms to the Lifeline program (codified in FCC regulations at 47 C.F.R. Part 54, Subpart E), which previously relied on general FCC authority without these targeted state outreach or verifier-connection grants.
- Procedural shortcuts: Exempts FCC rules from standard rulemaking (5 U.S.C. § 553) and Paperwork Reduction Act requirements for faster rollout.
- Enforcement integration: Treats violations as part of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.), enabling FCC fines and oversight.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: FCC gains new administrative duties (grant management, reporting) but with dedicated funding; states receive funds to partner with agencies and nonprofits, potentially reducing long-term verification costs.
- Citizens: Low-income households (especially eligible non-enrollees) gain easier access to affordable broadband/phone services, promoting digital inclusion.
- No international relations impact noted.
- Overall: Could boost Lifeline enrollment (currently millions but with many eligible non-participants), lowering the digital divide.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal: FCC (implements programs, verifies eligibility).
- State/Local: States, territories, Indian Tribes, and their agencies (apply for/use grants).
- Citizens: Low-income individuals/households eligible for Lifeline via federal benefits programs.
- Others: Nonprofits and community organizations partnering on outreach.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Streamlines implementation via exemptions, reducing delays but potentially limiting public input; ties enforcement to established FCC powers for efficiency.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges apparent; supports equal access to communications without infringing rights.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsors (e.g., Sens. Durbin, Padilla); focuses on equity for underserved groups, with reporting for accountability; authorizes appropriations without specified amounts, leaving funding to Congress.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-29: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S2131-2132)
- 2026-04-29: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-29 — PDF (10 pages)