What does Preamble of Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 do?

This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a program. The program will provide grants to states. The grants are intended to inform individuals about potential eligibility for the FCC's Lifeline program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026.

What does LIFELINE ENROLLMENT OUTREACH GRANTS. of Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assist States in informing covered individuals about potential eligibility for the Lifeline program. States can apply for grants by submitting an application detailing the number of covered individuals in their state, a plan for outreach activities, and an estimate of the percentage of eligible-but-not-enrolled individuals they expect to reach. The FCC will award grants to at least 25% of the States that apply, prioritizing those with higher numbers of covered individuals and plans to reach a greater percentage of eligible individuals. Grant funds must be used to inform covered individuals and organizations about the Lifeline program, provide application assistance, and partner with community-based organizations. The FCC is required to conduct outreach to States to ensure awareness of the grant program and application process. The FCC must promulgate regulations to implement this section within 30 days of the Act's enactment. Violations of this section or its regulations will be treated as violations of the Communications Act of 1934. The FCC will submit a report to Congress evaluating the grant program's effectiveness, including the number of individuals notified, new applicants, and the program's cost-effectiveness, within three years of establishing the program. Appropriations are authorized to the FCC to carry out this section for the first five fiscal years following the program's establishment.

What does GRANTS TO STATES TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL LIFELINE ELIGIBILITY of Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a program to provide grants to eligible entities, including States, the District of Columbia, territories, and federally recognized Indian Tribes. Eligible entities must submit an application to the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) within 30 days of the Act's enactment. The Commission must establish the grant program within 90 days of enactment. Grants are intended to connect databases containing information on benefit recipients (including those receiving supplemental nutrition assistance) with the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier. The purpose is to reflect benefit receipt in the Verifier and use it to verify eligibility for the Lifeline program. Grant funds must be disbursed within 120 days of the program's establishment. The section authorizes appropriations to carry out the program.

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Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/29/2026 · Introduced: 4/29/2026

Author: Robin Kelly (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help states inform individuals about potential eligibility for the Lifeline program.
The bill provides grants to connect databases of benefit recipients with the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier to streamline eligibility verification for the Lifeline program.
The FCC is authorized to receive appropriations to fund both grant programs for the first five fiscal years following their establishment.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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