H.R. 7302: Digital Literacy and Equity Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Digital Literacy and Equity Act of 2026, aims to establish the Digital Literacy and Equity Commission. This newly created commission will have several key responsibilities focused on improving digital literacy and ensuring equitable access to information technologies across the United States. Here is a summary of what the bill entails:

Establishment of the Commission

The bill sets up a commission that is tasked with addressing issues related to digital literacy and equity.

Duties of the Commission

The Commission will conduct a comprehensive study that includes:

• Assessing the current state of digital literacy and information literacy in the U.S., which involves looking at federal, state, and local programs that promote these skills.
• Analyzing the levels of digital literacy in low-income and disadvantaged areas.
• Reviewing successful programs from other countries aimed at improving digital literacy.
• Identifying effective strategies and best practices to sustain high levels of digital literacy in the U.S.

Membership of the Commission

The Commission will comprise:

• Officials from various government departments including the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Commerce, and the Chairperson of the Federal Communications Commission, among others.
• Three members with expertise in digital literacy and equity, appointed by the Chairperson and coming from diverse backgrounds.
• Additional members appointed by the President from heads of federal agencies.

Leadership

The Chairperson of the Commission will be the Secretary of Education or their delegate, while the Vice Chairperson will be the Chairperson of the Federal Communications Commission or their delegate.

Meetings

The Commission is required to hold its first meeting within 90 days after the bill is enacted and must meet at least once every four months thereafter. All meetings will be open to the public.

Powers of the Commission

The Commission has the authority to:

• Hold hearings and gather testimony to help fulfill its duties.
• Take actions necessary to carry out its objectives as authorized.

Reporting Requirements

Within two years of appointing its members, the Chairperson must submit a report to Congress that includes:

• The findings from the study on digital literacy and equity.
• Recommendations for improving and maintaining digital literacy in the U.S., emphasizing equity in resource availability.
• A proposed method for measuring digital literacy nationwide.
• A plan for better coordination among federal agencies in delivering digital literacy services.

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions for several key terms:

• Digital literacy: The ability to effectively use information and communication technologies to locate, evaluate, create, and communicate information.
• Disadvantaged area: A community with a median household income below 80% of the statewide median income.
• Information literacy: The capacity to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use that information effectively.
• Low-income: Defined as per existing legislation relating to housing and community development.

Relevant Companies

None found