Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (3 Nov 2023): Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
What this bill does
H.R. 5886, the Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023, would direct the Federal Communications Commission to create two grant programs for states. The first would provide competitive grants, to at least five states, to fund outreach informing Medicaid enrollees, SNAP participants, and other low-income residents about their potential eligibility for the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline program, which help lower the cost of internet and phone service. States receiving grants would use the money to conduct outreach, partner with community organizations, and help people apply. The second program would fund states to connect their benefit-program databases (such as SNAP records) to the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, making it easier to automatically confirm eligibility for these connectivity programs.
The bill primarily affects state governments, which could apply for and administer the grants, and low-income individuals, including those on Medicaid or SNAP, who might become more aware of or able to access discounted broadband and phone services. It also affects the FCC, which would be required to set up the programs, issue regulations, conduct outreach to states, and report to Congress on the outreach program's effectiveness after three years.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly on October 3, 2023, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on October 25, 2023. It has not received a committee vote or further action, and as with many introduced bills, it may not advance further without additional committee or floor action.
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 2023
This bill establishes grant programs to facilitate enrollment in the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. (These programs subsidize telecommunications services for eligible, low-income individuals and households.)
Specifically, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must award competitive grants to states, territories, or tribes for informing Medicaid enrollees, recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, and other low-income individuals about their potential eligibility for the programs.
The FCC must also award grants to states, territories, and tribes to facilitate data sharing for verifying eligibility for the programs. Recipients must use the grants to establish or maintain connections between (1) their databases that contain information about residents who receive benefits administered by the recipient, and (2) the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (a centralized system that verifies and annually recertifies Lifeline applicants' eligibility for the program).
Timeline
3 Nov 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5886 do?
- H.R. 5886, the Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023, would direct the Federal Communications Commission to create two grant programs for states. The first would provide competitive grants, to at least five states, to fund outreach informing Medicaid enrollees, SNAP participants, and other low-income residents about their potential eligibility for the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline program, which help lower the cost of internet and phone service. States receiving grants would use the money to conduct outreach, partner with community organizations, and help people apply. The second program would fund states to connect their benefit-program databases (such as SNAP records) to the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, making it easier to automatically confirm eligibility for these connectivity programs. The bill primarily affects state governments, which could apply for and administer the grants, and low-income individuals, including those on Medicaid or SNAP, who might become more aware of or able to access discounted broadband and phone services. It also affects the FCC, which would be required to set up the programs, issue regulations, conduct outreach to states, and report to Congress on the outreach program's effectiveness after three years. The bill was introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly on October 3, 2023, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on October 25, 2023. It has not received a committee vote or further action, and as with many introduced bills, it may not advance further without additional committee or floor action.
- Has H.R. 5886 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 5886. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5886?
- H.R. 5886 was sponsored by Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2] (D-IL), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5886?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. (3 Nov 2023).
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