National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a national nonprofit to deliver universal access to local digital fabrication tools. The National Fab Lab Network would link local "fab labs" into a coordinated network to expand STEM education, workforce training, invention, and small‑scale production across the United States.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New national fab lab network
If enacted, the bill would create a nonprofit called the National Fab Lab Network that would not be a federal agency and would follow this Act and DC nonprofit law. The group would aim to build a national network of local "fab labs" and would seek to establish at least one fab lab in every Congressional District, prioritizing underserved communities. The bill would define a "fab lab" as a local workshop with digital tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, electronics tools, short-run production materials, and 3-D design and digitization workflows. The network would keep a national registry, set standards and protocols, and help start and sustain local labs and training programs.
Board rules and member transparency
If enacted, the bill would require the nonprofit to have a board of 7 to 15 members representing U.S. regions, Tribal communities, schools and research institutions, libraries, nonprofits, businesses, diverse groups, and the Fab Foundation. The initial board would be chosen with specified appointments by Senate and House leaders and with Fab Foundation consultation. The nonprofit would have to keep accurate books, meeting minutes, and a list of voting-member addresses at its main office. Voting members, or their agents, would be allowed to inspect those records for any proper purpose during normal business hours.
Nonprofit funding, fees, and limits
If enacted, the bill would let the nonprofit charge membership dues and subscription fees and accept money from private groups, donors, and government agencies. The nonprofit would be allowed to borrow money, issue debt, and buy, lease, or sell property to run and grow the network, and to distribute funds to establish and operate member fab labs. At the same time, the bill would bar the nonprofit from issuing securities or paying dividends and would prevent loans to its directors, officers, or employees while allowing reasonable pay and expense reimbursement approved by the board. Members might pay fees for services, while the group would have broad finance tools to expand labs and programs.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]
IL • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov