Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2017
Latest action (2 Oct 2017): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 3895, the Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2017, would direct federal agencies to coordinate and support the development of "smart city" technologies—systems that use data, sensors, and networked infrastructure to improve services like transportation, energy use, and public safety. The bill would create an Interagency Council on Smart Cities, led by the Secretary of Commerce, to coordinate federal programs and funding, develop a multiyear strategy, and issue biennial reports to Congress. It would also require creation of a public online resource guide for communities, a technology demonstration grant program (authorized at $100 million per year for fiscal years 2018–2022) for local governments to test smart-city technologies, a Cybersecurity Working Group to develop tools for evaluating the security of these technologies, workforce training initiatives, a GAO study on financing options, work on technical standards and interoperability, and efforts to promote international cooperation and trade in smart-city technologies.
The bill would primarily affect federal agencies (including Commerce, Energy, HUD, Transportation, and others), state and local governments—especially small, rural, and Tribal communities—that could apply for grants or technical assistance, and private industry groups involved in developing smart-city technologies. It also addresses concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity as these technologies are adopted.
The bill was introduced on October 2, 2017, by Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and referred to multiple House committees, including Energy and Commerce, Science, Space, and Technology, Education and the Workforce, and Foreign Affairs. It did not receive a vote and did not become law in the 115th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2017
This bill establishes programs for the implementation and use of smart technologies and systems in communities of various sizes. A “smart city or community” is one in which innovative, advanced, and trustworthy information, communication, and energy technologies are applied to: (1) improve the health and quality of life of residents; (2) increase efficiency of operations and services; (3) promote economic growth; and (4) improve safety, security, sustainability, resiliency, livability, and work life.
The Department of Commerce shall establish a regional demonstration grant program focused on facilitating adoption, and allowing measurement and validation of performance, of advanced smart city or community technologies and systems. Commerce shall also convene a working group to develop tools for evaluating the cybersecurity of smart city or community technologies.
The Department of Labor shall establish a pilot program to furnish competitive grants for technology-based job training and education programs that provide industry-recognized credentials.
The bill requires strong federal encouragement and support for private sector-led standards development activities.
The bill requires the establishment of a strategic international smart cities and communities trade program that includes trade missions to promote and assist smart-community activities, as by leveraging expertise in infrastructure development.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3895 do?
- H.R. 3895, the Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2017, would direct federal agencies to coordinate and support the development of "smart city" technologies—systems that use data, sensors, and networked infrastructure to improve services like transportation, energy use, and public safety. The bill would create an Interagency Council on Smart Cities, led by the Secretary of Commerce, to coordinate federal programs and funding, develop a multiyear strategy, and issue biennial reports to Congress. It would also require creation of a public online resource guide for communities, a technology demonstration grant program (authorized at $100 million per year for fiscal years 2018–2022) for local governments to test smart-city technologies, a Cybersecurity Working Group to develop tools for evaluating the security of these technologies, workforce training initiatives, a GAO study on financing options, work on technical standards and interoperability, and efforts to promote international cooperation and trade in smart-city technologies. The bill would primarily affect federal agencies (including Commerce, Energy, HUD, Transportation, and others), state and local governments—especially small, rural, and Tribal communities—that could apply for grants or technical assistance, and private industry groups involved in developing smart-city technologies. It also addresses concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity as these technologies are adopted. The bill was introduced on October 2, 2017, by Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and referred to multiple House committees, including Energy and Commerce, Science, Space, and Technology, Education and the Workforce, and Foreign Affairs. It did not receive a vote and did not become law in the 115th Congress.
- Has H.R. 3895 become law?
- Not yet. As of 2 Oct 2017, H.R. 3895 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3895?
- H.R. 3895 was sponsored by Rep. Suzan DelBene [D-WA1] (Democrat-WA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3895?
- Introduced (2 Oct 2017).
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