{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Legislation","name":"Emergency Broadband Connections Act of 2020","description":"

Emergency Broadband Connections Act of 2020

This bill establishes an emergency broadband benefit for certain households during the emergency period related to COVID-19, and it modifies the Lifeline program of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which reduces the cost of communications services for low-income consumers.

Specifically, the bill requires a broadband service provider to provide a low-income household, upon request, with broadband internet service at a price that is discounted in an amount equal to the emergency broadband benefit for such household. The emergency broadband benefit is a monthly discount that is applied to the normal or special rate for internet service. Further, the bill establishes the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund from which the FCC shall reimburse a provider in an amount equal to the emergency broadband benefit provided to a household. Providers that supply discounted connected devices (e.g., computers) to eligible households may also receive certain reimbursements from the fund.

The bill requires service providers participating in the FCC's Lifeline program to provide an unlimited number of minutes and data during the emergency period. The bill also requires the FCC to make a grant to each state for connecting the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) database to the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, so that receipt of SNAP benefits is reflected in the Lifeline verifier. The verifier determines consumer eligibility for the Lifeline program, and receipt of SNAP benefits automatically qualifies a household for Lifeline service.

","legislationIdentifier":"S 4095","legislationType":"Bill","legislationLegalForce":"NotInForce","legislationJurisdiction":"USA","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Ron Wyden","url":"https://legisdaily.com/mp/ron-wyden-us"}],"about":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Science, Technology, Communications"},"keywords":"Accounting and auditing, Administrative law and regulatory procedures, Cardiovascular and respiratory health, Congressional oversight, Consumer affairs, Consumer credit, Elementary and secondary education, Emergency medical services and trauma care, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal-Indian relations, Food assistance and relief, Government information and archives, Government studies and investigations, Government trust funds, Higher education, Infectious and parasitic diseases, Intergovernmental relations, Internet and video services, Internet, web applications, social media, Nutrition and diet, State and local government operations, Student aid and college costs, Telecommunication rates and fees","dateModified":"2025-01-14T00:00:00.000Z","url":"https://legisdaily.com/bill/USA-116-S-4095"}

Ron Wyden

Ron Wyden

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee