To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure that certain telecommunications assistance available to assist school buses is preserved consistent with the Declaratory Ruling in the matter of Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries adopted by the Federal Communications Commission on October 19, 2023 (FCC 23-84; WC Docket No. 13-184), and for other purposes.

6/11/2024, 4:13 PM

Summary of Bill HR 8556

Bill 118 hr 8556 aims to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure that certain telecommunications assistance available to assist school buses is preserved in line with the Declaratory Ruling issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on October 19, 2023. This ruling, known as FCC 23-84 and WC Docket No. 13-184, focuses on modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries.

The bill seeks to maintain the telecommunications support provided to school buses, ensuring that they have access to necessary communication services. By aligning with the FCC's ruling, the legislation aims to uphold the FCC's efforts to update and improve the E-Rate Program for educational institutions.

In addition to preserving telecommunications assistance for school buses, the bill also addresses other related purposes. It is designed to support the FCC's initiatives in modernizing communication services for schools and libraries, ultimately benefiting students, educators, and communities across the country. Overall, Bill 118 hr 8556 focuses on ensuring that telecommunications assistance for school buses is maintained in accordance with the FCC's Declaratory Ruling, while also supporting broader efforts to enhance communication services for educational institutions.

Congressional Summary of HR 8556

Clarifying E–Rate Act of 2024

This bill provides statutory authority for the use of Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support program (E-Rate) funds for the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses. (In a declaratory ruling titled Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries and released on October 25, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declared that the use of Wi-Fi and similar technologies on school buses serves an educational purpose and is therefore eligible for E-Rate funding. The policy effectively permits schools to receive discounted telecommunications service for use on school buses.)

The bill also directs the FCC to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking specifying any additional locations for which E-Rate funding may be used to support connectivity. The FCC must establish an annual process for considering additional eligible locations.

Current Status of Bill HR 8556

Bill HR 8556 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 23, 2024. Bill HR 8556 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 23, 2024. Bill HR 8556's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. as of May 23, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8556

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 8556

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 8556

To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure that certain telecommunications assistance available to assist school buses is preserved consistent with the Declaratory Ruling in the matter of Modernizing the E-Rate Program for Schools and Libraries adopted by the Federal Communications Commission on October 19, 2023 (FCC 23-84; WC Docket No. 13-184), and for other purposes.