ACCESS BROADBAND Act

Bill: 116-s-1046
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced: 2019-04-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Department of Commerce
Digital media
Economic development
Economic performance and conditions
Educational technology and distance education
Employment and training programs
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
HIV/AIDS
Health technology, devices, supplies
Housing and community development funding
Housing finance and home ownership
Indian social and development programs
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Libraries and archives
Public housing
Public utilities and utility rates
Rural conditions and development
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2019-04-04
text: 

Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand Act or the ACCESS BROADBAND Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The office shall connect with communities that need access to high-speed internet and hold regional workshops to share best practices and effective strategies for promoting broadband access and adoption. The bill also requires the office to (1) develop targeted broadband training and presentations for various demographic communities through media, (2) develop and distribute publications providing guidance to communities for expanding broadband access and adoption, and (3) track construction and use of and access to any broadband infrastructure built using federal support.
 
Under the bill, the office shall consult with any agency offering a federal broadband support program in order to streamline the application process for financial assistance or grants.
 
The office, any agency that offers a federal broadband support program, and the Federal Communications Commission through the Universal Service Fund shall coordinate to ensure that broadband support is being distributed in an efficient, technology-neutral, and financially sustainable manner.

action_date: 2020-10-01
text: 

Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand Act or the ACCESS BROADBAND Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
 
The office shall connect with communities that need access to high-speed internet and hold regional workshops to share best practices and effective strategies for promoting broadband access and adoption. The bill also requires the office to (1) develop targeted broadband training and presentations for various demographic communities through media; (2) develop and distribute publications providing guidance to communities for expanding broadband access and adoption; and (3) cooperate with state agencies that provide similar investments, outreach, and coordination through federal programs. 
 
The NTIA shall assign its similar activities to the office, and the office shall consult with any agency offering a federal broadband support program in order to streamline the application process for financial assistance or grants.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-10-01
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 567.
action_date: 2020-10-01
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-274.
action_date: 2020-10-01
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Wicker with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 116-274.
action_date: 2020-03-11
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2019-04-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2019-04-04
text: Introduced in Senate