Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]
Introduced
Summary
Expand Lifeline access by funding state outreach and by linking state benefit systems to the Lifeline verifier. The bill would create two FCC grant programs: one to help states reach and enroll low-income households and one to connect state databases so benefit receipt can be used to verify Lifeline eligibility.
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- States and Tribal governments could compete for Lifeline Outreach Grants to inform and assist people who qualify but are not enrolled. The FCC must award grants to at least 25% of submitting States and applications must include the number of covered individuals, a plan, and an estimate of expected reach.
- Low-income households and families who are eligible but not signed up would get targeted outreach and application help. Grants can fund partnerships with nonprofits, information on product and technology choices, and reminders about the one-subscriber-per-household rule.
- States could receive grants to connect their benefit databases, including SNAP, to the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier so benefit receipt is reflected for eligibility checks. The FCC would establish that program within 90 days and disburse grants within 120 days.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier Lifeline eligibility for SNAP households
This bill would require the FCC to set up grants, within 90 days of enactment, for States to connect benefit databases (including SNAP) to the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier. States would need to apply within 30 days after enactment to be eligible, and grants must be paid within 120 days after the program starts. Those connections would let a household's benefit receipt show up in the Verifier so it can be used to confirm Lifeline eligibility and reduce paperwork. Funding is authorized as "such sums as may be necessary."
More Lifeline help for low-income
This bill would create a competitive FCC grant program to help States reach low-income people who qualify for Lifeline but are not enrolled. The FCC would have to write outreach rules within 30 days of enactment. At least 25% of States that apply must receive grants, and States would use funds to tell people about Lifeline, explain how to apply, and help with one-subscriber-per-household rules. The FCC would report to Congress within three years on how many people were notified and enrolled. Funding is authorized as "such sums as may be necessary" for the first five full fiscal years.
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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