Legis Daily

Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8576| House 
| Updated: 4/29/2026
Robin L. Kelly

Robin L. Kelly

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a competitive grant program for states aimed at increasing enrollment in the Lifeline program . These grants will fund activities to inform individuals, especially those eligible but not yet enrolled, about their potential eligibility for Lifeline. States applying for these funds must detail the number of covered individuals, their planned outreach activities, and the estimated percentage of eligible individuals they expect to reach, with favorable consideration given to states with higher numbers of covered individuals and effective outreach plans. Grant recipients must use the funds to inform individuals and organizations about Lifeline eligibility, provide application instructions, and partner with community groups to offer application assistance and information on product choices. Additionally, the bill mandates a separate grant program to strengthen the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier . This program provides grants to states to establish or improve connections between their databases, which contain information on participation in other benefit programs, and the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier. The goal is to enable automatic verification of Lifeline eligibility, thereby streamlining the enrollment process for qualifying low-income consumers.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4529
Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2524
Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5886
Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023
Apr 29, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4438
Introduced in Senate
Apr 29, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 29, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4529
    Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2524
    Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5886
    Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023


  • April 29, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4438
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 29, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 29, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Science, Technology, Communications

Related Bills

  • S 119-4438: Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8576| House 
| Updated: 4/29/2026
This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a competitive grant program for states aimed at increasing enrollment in the Lifeline program . These grants will fund activities to inform individuals, especially those eligible but not yet enrolled, about their potential eligibility for Lifeline. States applying for these funds must detail the number of covered individuals, their planned outreach activities, and the estimated percentage of eligible individuals they expect to reach, with favorable consideration given to states with higher numbers of covered individuals and effective outreach plans. Grant recipients must use the funds to inform individuals and organizations about Lifeline eligibility, provide application instructions, and partner with community groups to offer application assistance and information on product choices. Additionally, the bill mandates a separate grant program to strengthen the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier . This program provides grants to states to establish or improve connections between their databases, which contain information on participation in other benefit programs, and the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier. The goal is to enable automatic verification of Lifeline eligibility, thereby streamlining the enrollment process for qualifying low-income consumers.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4529
Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2524
Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5886
Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023
Apr 29, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4438
Introduced in Senate
Apr 29, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 29, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4529
    Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2524
    Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5886
    Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023


  • April 29, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4438
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 29, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 29, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Robin L. Kelly

Robin L. Kelly

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Energy and Commerce Committee

Science, Technology, Communications

Related Bills

  • S 119-4438: Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted