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S. 3906·117th Congress·Senate Bill

Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2022

Stage not supplied

The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.

Latest action (29 Sep 2022): Held at the desk.

What this bill does

S. 3906, the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2022, would amend the Small Business Act to create a new "broadband and emerging information technology coordinator" position within the Small Business Administration's Office of Investment and Innovation. This coordinator would oversee SBA programs related to broadband and technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, cloud computing, 3D printing, and robotics; serve as liaison to other federal agencies on these issues; identify best practices and available training resources; and provide related training to SBA staff. The bill also requires periodic reports to Congress, including a study by the SBA's Chief Counsel for Advocacy on broadband availability, speed, and price, and on emerging technology use by small businesses. Separately, it amends provisions on SBA entrepreneurial development centers to add helping small businesses access broadband and emerging technologies as a program goal.

The bill primarily affects the SBA's internal structure and small business counseling programs. Small business owners could benefit indirectly through improved SBA guidance, training, and coordination on broadband and technology adoption. Federal agencies that work with the SBA on telecommunications and technology policy would also be affected through the coordinator's liaison role.

The bill passed the Senate by voice vote on September 28, 2022, with an amendment, but was not taken up or passed by the House before the 117th Congress ended, so it did not become law. Any further action would require reintroduction in a new Congress.

Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.

Official summary

Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2022

This bill directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to designate a senior Office of Investment and Innovation employee as broadband and emerging information technology coordinator, and it establishes measures to aid the competitiveness and productivity of small businesses through broadband access and other emerging information technologies.

The coordinator's responsibilities shall include (1) identifying best practices relating to broadband and emerging information technology that may help small businesses; and (2) coordinating SBA programs that assist small businesses in adopting, making innovations in, and using broadband and other emerging information technologies. The coordinator must also provide training to familiarize its employees with broadband and other emerging technologies.

Further, the SBA must report on (1) its programs and activities relating to broadband and emerging information technologies, and (2) the impact of broadband and emerging information technology deployment on small businesses.

The bill also requires Small Business Development Centers to assist small businesses in accessing broadband and other emerging information technology.

Timeline

  1. 29 Sep 2022

    Held at the desk.

Common questions

What does S. 3906 do?
S. 3906, the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2022, would amend the Small Business Act to create a new "broadband and emerging information technology coordinator" position within the Small Business Administration's Office of Investment and Innovation. This coordinator would oversee SBA programs related to broadband and technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, cloud computing, 3D printing, and robotics; serve as liaison to other federal agencies on these issues; identify best practices and available training resources; and provide related training to SBA staff. The bill also requires periodic reports to Congress, including a study by the SBA's Chief Counsel for Advocacy on broadband availability, speed, and price, and on emerging technology use by small businesses. Separately, it amends provisions on SBA entrepreneurial development centers to add helping small businesses access broadband and emerging technologies as a program goal. The bill primarily affects the SBA's internal structure and small business counseling programs. Small business owners could benefit indirectly through improved SBA guidance, training, and coordination on broadband and technology adoption. Federal agencies that work with the SBA on telecommunications and technology policy would also be affected through the coordinator's liaison role. The bill passed the Senate by voice vote on September 28, 2022, with an amendment, but was not taken up or passed by the House before the 117th Congress ended, so it did not become law. Any further action would require reintroduction in a new Congress.
Has S. 3906 become law?
The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 3906. Check the latest action and official source below.
Who sponsored S. 3906?
S. 3906 was sponsored by Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH] (D-NH), with 5 cosponsors.
What's the latest action on S. 3906?
Held at the desk. (29 Sep 2022).

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