Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (28 Apr 2021): Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.
What this bill does
The "Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act" proposes several initiatives to expand broadband internet access and affordability. It aims to reauthorize and improve existing programs that offer subsidies for broadband services to eligible households, schools, libraries, and tribal areas. The bill also plans to create new programs to extend broadband to underserved regions and support community organizations.
This legislation affects individuals and communities by addressing barriers to internet adoption, improving affordability, and increasing transparency in broadband service pricing. It also seeks to make broadband infrastructure more accessible through financing options for communities and public-private partnerships, and mandates the inclusion of broadband conduits in certain highway projects.
As H.R. 1783, the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 11, 2021. It has been referred to committees for consideration. The next steps would involve committee review, potential amendments, and votes in the House, followed by consideration in the Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act
This bill reauthorizes through FY2026, revises, and establishes grants and activities to promote access to broadband internet and other telecommunication services.
The bill addresses digital equity and inclusion through grants and by requiring studies on barriers to adoption of broadband services and related matters.
The bill addresses broadband affordability and access. It (1) reauthorizes and expands various programs that subsidize or otherwise support broadband services for eligible households, schools and libraries, and tribal lands and populations; and (2) establishes a program for expanding broadband service for underserved areas and community support organizations (e.g., schools and religious organizations). Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must award grants and take other actions to expand programs that verify an individual's eligibility for subsidized services.
The bill addresses broadband data collection, disclosure, and sharing. The FCC must (1) issue rules regarding the collection of pricing data and labels that disclose information about broadband plans to consumers, and (2) collaborate and share data with federal agencies and other stakeholders.
The bill makes financing (e.g., low-interest loans) available to communities and public-private partnerships for broadband infrastructure investments. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must require states to install conduits for broadband cables as part of certain highway projects. The bill also sets up a task force on nationwide dig once requirements (i.e., policies or practices to minimize excavations of highway rights-of-way when installing telecommunications infrastructure).
Further, the bill preempts state laws that prohibit certain telecommunications service providers (e.g., public providers) from providing high-speed broadband services.
Timeline
28 Apr 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1783 do?
- The "Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act" proposes several initiatives to expand broadband internet access and affordability. It aims to reauthorize and improve existing programs that offer subsidies for broadband services to eligible households, schools, libraries, and tribal areas. The bill also plans to create new programs to extend broadband to underserved regions and support community organizations. This legislation affects individuals and communities by addressing barriers to internet adoption, improving affordability, and increasing transparency in broadband service pricing. It also seeks to make broadband infrastructure more accessible through financing options for communities and public-private partnerships, and mandates the inclusion of broadband conduits in certain highway projects. As H.R. 1783, the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 11, 2021. It has been referred to committees for consideration. The next steps would involve committee review, potential amendments, and votes in the House, followed by consideration in the Senate.
- Has H.R. 1783 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1783. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1783?
- H.R. 1783 was sponsored by Rep. Clyburn, James E. [D-SC-6] (D-SC), with 75 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1783?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit. (28 Apr 2021).
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