Bill Sponsor
House Bill 6744
116th Congress(2019-2020)
Computer and Internet Equity Act
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in House on May 8, 2020
Overview
Text
Introduced
May 8, 2020
Latest Action
May 8, 2020
Origin Chamber
House
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
6744
Congress
116
Policy Area
Science, Technology, Communications
Science, Technology, Communications
Primary focus of measure is natural sciences, space exploration, research policy and funding, research and development, STEM education, scientific cooperation and communication; technology policies, telecommunication, information technology; digital media, journalism. Measures concerning scientific education may fall under Education policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
House Votes (0)
Senate Votes (0)
No House votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Computer and Internet Equity Act

This bill increases broadband service support for low-income consumers, establishes a grant program to provide internet safety education or training, and provides a tax credit for certain computer and education costs.

Specifically, the bill modifies the broadband service support program known as Lifeline, which assists low-income consumers with access to telecommunications and broadband services, to (1) give an additional $1,000 to a provider of Lifeline services for each low-income consumer to whom the provider supplies such services, (2) allow consumers with household incomes that are at or below 435% (currently 135%) of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for participation in the program, and (3) allow a broadband service provider to receive Lifeline support for providing such service to a low-income consumer without being designated an eligible telecommunications carrier.

The bill also requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a grant program to develop and implement internet safety education or training programs for low-income individuals.

Further, the bill provides a tax credit, not to exceed $2,000 in a taxable year or $10,000 in a lifetime, for amounts paid or incurred for technology such as computers and printers and for education on how to use such technology.

Text (1)
Actions (2)
05/08/2020
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
05/08/2020
Introduced in House
Public Record
Record Updated
Jan 11, 2023 1:42:59 PM