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119-hr-8576119th CongressWALLET

Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]

Introduced

Summary

Expand Lifeline enrollment and speed eligibility checks. This bill would direct the Federal Communications Commission to create two grant programs: one to fund State outreach to find and enroll eligible-but-not-enrolled people and one to help States link benefit databases to the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier.

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  • Low-income households and families would get targeted outreach and help applying for Lifeline through State partnerships with nonprofits and community groups. Outreach must include how to apply and a clear notice about the rule that only one Lifeline subscriber is allowed per household.
  • States, the District of Columbia, territories, possessions, and federally recognized Indian Tribes could apply for outreach grants and for grants to connect their benefit databases to the national verifier. The FCC would be required to award outreach grants to at least 25 percent of States that apply and aim for geographic diversity in awards.
  • The FCC would face quick implementation deadlines: outreach program rules within 30 days, establishment of the verifier-connection grant program within 90 days, and funds disbursed within 120 days after the verifier program is set up. The FCC would also have to report to Congress within three years on how many people were notified, how many new applicants or enrollees resulted, and the program's cost-effectiveness.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Connect state benefits to Lifeline verifier

If enacted, the FCC would create a grant program to pay States to link their benefit databases to the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier. States that apply within 30 days after enactment would be eligible, the FCC would set up the program within 90 days, and grant funds would be sent within 120 days after the program starts. Once connected, benefit receipt (including SNAP) would be reflected in the Verifier and could be used to verify Lifeline eligibility faster and reduce manual paperwork for households. The provision authorizes appropriations but does not specify dollar amounts.

More Lifeline outreach for low-income households

If enacted, the FCC would set up a competitive grant program to pay States and Tribes to notify people who qualify for Lifeline but are not enrolled. The FCC would have to write rules within 30 days and must give grants to at least 25% of States that apply. States getting money would be required to tell covered individuals how to apply, warn that only one Lifeline subscriber is allowed per household, and work with community groups to help enroll people. The program could get appropriations for the first five full fiscal years and the FCC would report to Congress within three years on how many people were reached and newly enrolled; some procedural rule and paperwork requirements would be waived and enforcement would be under the Communications Act.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]

IL • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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