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 eligible individuals about the Lifeline program. States can apply for grants to conduct outreach activities, including informing covered individuals of potential eligibility and providing information about the program. Applications must include the number of covered individuals in the State, a plan for outreach activities, and an estimate of the percentage of eligible-but-not-enrolled individuals who will be reached. The FCC will award grants to at least 25% of States, prioritizing those with higher numbers of covered individuals and those proposing activities with the potential to reach higher percentages of eligible individuals. Grant funds must be used to inform covered individuals, provide information about the Lifeline program (including enrollment and household limitations), and partner with community-based organizations to assist with applications and technology choices. 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 related regulations will be treated as violations of the Communications Act of 1934. The FCC is required to submit a report to Congress evaluating the effectiveness of the grant program within three years of its establishment, including data on individuals notified, new applicants, and program cost-effectiveness.

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. The grants are for establishing a connection between state databases and the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier. The connection is for verifying eligibility for the Lifeline program. Grants will be disbursed to eligible entities within 120 days of program establishment. The program is funded through authorized appropriations.

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Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

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

Author: Richard Durbin (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a grant program for states to conduct outreach and inform eligible individuals about the Lifeline program, aiming to increase enrollment.
The bill provides grants to states to connect their databases with the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, streamlining the verification process.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is tasked with implementing these grant programs and reporting on their effectiveness within three years.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

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

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