To require the Federal Communications Commission to make the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses eligible for E-rate support.

Bill: 117-hr-1673
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large]
Introduced: 2021-03-09
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures

Elementary and secondary education

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Internet and video services

Internet, web applications, social media

Motor carriers

Motor vehicles

Preschool education

Telecommunication rates and fees
Latest action: action_date: 2021-03-10
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-03-09
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This bill requires that the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses be made eligible for support under the E-Rate program, which&nbsp;allots broadband discounts to schools and libraries. </p>

tv_txt: I 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1673 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 9, 2021 Mr. Welch (for himself, Mr. Tonko , Mr. McNerney , Ms. Leger Fernandez , Mr. Cárdenas , Mr. Veasey , and Ms. Blunt Rochester ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To require the Federal Communications Commission to make the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses eligible for E-rate support.

1. E-rate support for school bus Wi-Fi (a) Definition In this section, the term school bus means a passenger motor vehicle that is— (1) designed to carry a driver and not less than 5 passengers; and (2) used significantly to transport early child education, elementary school, or secondary school students to or from school or an event related to school. (b) Rulemaking Notwithstanding the limitations under paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(A) of section 254(h) of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 254(h) ) regarding the authorized recipients and uses of discounted telecommunications services, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall commence a rulemaking to make the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses eligible for support under the E-rate program of the Commission set forth under subpart F of part 54 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations.