H.R. 8576: Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

The Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 aims to improve access to broadband services for low-income individuals by establishing a grant program. The key components of the bill are as follows:

Lifeline Enrollment Outreach Grants

The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to set up a program to provide competitive grants to U.S. states. These grants are designed to help states inform eligible low-income individuals about their potential eligibility for the Lifeline program, which provides discounts on phone and internet services. The following details outline this grant program:

• Eligibility Definitions: The bill defines several key terms including "covered individuals" (those eligible for the Lifeline program but not enrolled) and "eligible-but-not-enrolled individuals." It also specifies what constitutes a "State," including U.S. territories and Indian Tribes.
• Grant Application Process: States must apply for these grants and provide details, including the number of covered individuals, a plan for using the funds, and an estimate of how many eligible individuals they expect to reach.
• Grant Selection: The FCC must ensure that at least 25% of the states that apply receive grants and may favor those with higher numbers of covered individuals or more effective outreach plans.
• Use of Funds: States that receive grants are required to inform eligible individuals about the Lifeline program and assist them in the application process. Funds can be used for partnerships with local agencies to better reach these individuals.
• Regulations and Oversight: The FCC must implement regulations within 30 days of the bill's enactment to manage this grant program effectively.
• Reporting Requirements: The FCC will be required to report to Congress within three years about the program's effectiveness, including the number of individuals notified and newly enrolled in the Lifeline program.

Grants for Strengthening the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier

The bill also includes provisions for additional grants to help states enhance their systems for verifying eligibility for the Lifeline program:

• Establishment of Program: The FCC must create a program to provide grants to states, which should be established within 90 days after the bill's enactment.
• Purpose of Grants: These grants will help states connect their benefit program databases to the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, improving the verification process for individuals applying for Lifeline services.
• Disbursement of Funds: The FCC must disburse the grant funds to eligible entities within 120 days of establishing the grant program.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes appropriate funding to support these initiatives for the first five years following the establishment of the grant program.

Enforcement and Regulations

Violations of the bill or associated regulations will be treated as violations of the Communications Act of 1934, implying a structured approach to enforcement, including applicable penalties.

Exemptions from Certain Requirements

Some procedural requirements under federal law, such as the Paperwork Reduction Act, will not apply to the regulations created under this bill, simplifying bureaucratic processes.

Relevant Companies

• T (AT&T Inc.): As a major telecommunications provider, AT&T could see increased demand for services from newly enrolled Lifeline participants.
• VZ (Verizon Communications Inc.): Similarly, Verizon might benefit from an increase in subscribers as more low-income households gain access to the Lifeline program.
• SBCF (Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.): Companies involved in banking or financial services may also see an uptick in ecosystem engagement as broadband access is promoted, aiding financial inclusion.