S. 4438: Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026, aims to enhance awareness and enrollment in the Lifeline program, which provides telecommunications subsidies to low-income individuals. It proposes the following key actions:

Lifeline Enrollment Outreach Grants

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will establish a program to provide grants to States for outreach efforts aimed at informing individuals about their potential eligibility for the Lifeline program. The goals of this initiative include:

• Identifying eligible-but-not-enrolled individuals (those who qualify for the program but are not currently enrolled).
• Informing them about the Lifeline program and how to enroll.

Eligibility and Application Process

States that wish to receive these grants must submit an application detailing:

• The number of covered individuals in the State (those who are eligible for Lifeline).
• A plan for activities to be conducted with the grant funds, including partnerships with state agencies that will help.
• An estimate of how many eligible-but-not-enrolled individuals the State expects to reach through these activities.

Grant Distribution and Selection Criteria

The FCC will award grants to at least 25% of the States that apply. Factors for selecting which States receive grants include:

• The number of covered individuals in the State.
• Proposals that can reach a higher percentage of eligible-but-not-enrolled individuals.
• Ensuring a diverse geographical representation across grant recipients.

Use of Grant Funds

States receiving grants are required to use the funds to:

• Inform individuals and social service organizations about the Lifeline program.
• Assist individuals with the application process for the program.
• Provide information regarding technology options for participants.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations that help low-income consumers.

Program Implementation and Regulation

The FCC must finalize regulations to implement this grant program within 30 days following the bill's enactment. Outreach efforts will be made to ensure States understand how to apply for the grants.

Reporting and Evaluation

Within three years after the establishment of the grant program, the FCC must submit a report to Congress that evaluates:

• The number of individuals informed about their eligibility for Lifeline.
• The number of new applicants to the Lifeline program from grant-receiving States.
• The cost-effectiveness of the outreach program.

Strengthening the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier

The bill also includes provisions for grants to strengthen the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier. States can apply for funding to link their databases, which track benefit receipts, with this verifier, establishing a seamless process for verifying eligibility for the Lifeline program.

Authorization of Appropriations

Funds are authorized to be appropriated for the purposes outlined in the bill, to support both the outreach program and the verifier strengthening initiatives.

Relevant Companies

None found.