Smart Cities and Communities Act of 2021
Latest action (20 May 2021): Introduced
What this bill does
This bill, introduced by Rep. Suzan DelBene in May 2021, aims to promote the use of "smart city" technologies—systems that use data, sensors, and digital tools to improve local government services, infrastructure, safety, and efficiency. It would create an Interagency Council on Smart Cities, led by the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Secretary of Commerce, to coordinate federal agencies' smart-city activities and funding, develop a multiyear strategy, and produce a workforce needs assessment. It also directs creation of a public online resource guide compiling federal programs, best practices, and technical information for communities. The bill establishes a federal grant program (authorized at $100 million annually for fiscal years 2022–2026) for local governments to run smart-technology demonstration projects, generally covering up to half the cost, plus a Cybersecurity Working Group and other assistance programs referenced in its table of contents, such as workforce training, technical assistance, standards development, and international cooperation efforts.
The bill would primarily affect federal agencies (Commerce, Energy, HUD, Transportation, Labor, Homeland Security, State, and the National Science Foundation), which would gain new coordination and reporting duties, and local and state governments, including small, rural, and Tribal communities, which could apply for grants, technical help, and guidance. It also touches private industry and workforce development boards involved in smart-technology standards and training.
The bill was introduced on May 20, 2021, and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Science, Space, and Technology, Education and Labor, and Foreign Affairs. According to the official record, it did not receive a vote and saw no further action beyond introduction, meaning it did not become law during that 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 2021
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) create a community that is safer and more secure, equitable, sustainable, resilient, livable, and workable.
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 in a variety of communities, including small- and medium-sized cities and rural and tribal communities. Commerce shall also convene a Cybersecurity Working Group to develop tools for evaluating the cybersecurity of smart city or community technologies.
The Department of Labor shall establish the TechHire Workforce Training and Development Pilot Program to furnish competitive grants for technology-based job training and education programs that provide an industry-recognized certificate or certification.
The Department of Energy (DOE) shall implement a pilot program to improve the access of cities and communities to the expertise and infrastructure of the national laboratories to promote smart city technologies. DOE shall also expand its Technologist in Residence pilot program to include partnerships between national laboratories and cities or communities respecting research and development related to smart cities or communities.
The bill requires strong federal encouragement and support for private sector-led standards-related activities.
The bill requires the establishment of a strategic international smart cities and communities trade program.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 3386 do?
- This bill, introduced by Rep. Suzan DelBene in May 2021, aims to promote the use of "smart city" technologies—systems that use data, sensors, and digital tools to improve local government services, infrastructure, safety, and efficiency. It would create an Interagency Council on Smart Cities, led by the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Secretary of Commerce, to coordinate federal agencies' smart-city activities and funding, develop a multiyear strategy, and produce a workforce needs assessment. It also directs creation of a public online resource guide compiling federal programs, best practices, and technical information for communities. The bill establishes a federal grant program (authorized at $100 million annually for fiscal years 2022–2026) for local governments to run smart-technology demonstration projects, generally covering up to half the cost, plus a Cybersecurity Working Group and other assistance programs referenced in its table of contents, such as workforce training, technical assistance, standards development, and international cooperation efforts. The bill would primarily affect federal agencies (Commerce, Energy, HUD, Transportation, Labor, Homeland Security, State, and the National Science Foundation), which would gain new coordination and reporting duties, and local and state governments, including small, rural, and Tribal communities, which could apply for grants, technical help, and guidance. It also touches private industry and workforce development boards involved in smart-technology standards and training. The bill was introduced on May 20, 2021, and referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Science, Space, and Technology, Education and Labor, and Foreign Affairs. According to the official record, it did not receive a vote and saw no further action beyond introduction, meaning it did not become law during that Congress.
- Has H.R. 3386 become law?
- Not yet. As of 20 May 2021, H.R. 3386 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 3386?
- H.R. 3386 was sponsored by Rep. Suzan DelBene [D-WA1] (Democrat-WA), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 3386?
- Introduced (20 May 2021).
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