Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2019
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (25 Sep 2019): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
This bill would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a grant program. States could apply for these grants to help inform their residents about the FCC's Lifeline program. The Lifeline program is designed to lower the cost of communications services for people with low incomes. The grants would specifically aim to reach individuals enrolled in Medicaid or participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
These grants would enable states to inform eligible individuals about the Lifeline program and how to apply for it, including information about household enrollment limits. States would also be encouraged to partner with community organizations to assist with applications and provide information on technology choices. The FCC would be required to award grants to at least five states, considering factors like the number of eligible residents and the potential reach of proposed outreach plans. The bill also mandates a report to Congress evaluating the program's effectiveness.
This bill, S. 2545, was introduced in the Senate in September 2019. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been voted on by the Senate or the House of Representatives. If passed by both chambers, it would then go to the President for signature into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2019
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a grant program to provide states with resources to inform their residents who are Medicaid enrollees or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants about the FCC's Lifeline program, which is designed to reduce the cost of communications services for low-income consumers.
Timeline
25 Sep 2019
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 2545 do?
- This bill would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a grant program. States could apply for these grants to help inform their residents about the FCC's Lifeline program. The Lifeline program is designed to lower the cost of communications services for people with low incomes. The grants would specifically aim to reach individuals enrolled in Medicaid or participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These grants would enable states to inform eligible individuals about the Lifeline program and how to apply for it, including information about household enrollment limits. States would also be encouraged to partner with community organizations to assist with applications and provide information on technology choices. The FCC would be required to award grants to at least five states, considering factors like the number of eligible residents and the potential reach of proposed outreach plans. The bill also mandates a report to Congress evaluating the program's effectiveness. This bill, S. 2545, was introduced in the Senate in September 2019. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been voted on by the Senate or the House of Representatives. If passed by both chambers, it would then go to the President for signature into law.
- Has S. 2545 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2545. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2545?
- S. 2545 was sponsored by Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] (D-IL), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2545?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (25 Sep 2019).
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