Broadband Incentives for Communities Act

Hozzl · 2023-12-15T15:55:02Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1241 Broadband Incentives for Communities Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/15/2023, 3:55 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1241

Bill 118 hr 1241, also known as the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act, aims to provide incentives for communities to expand access to broadband internet services. The bill recognizes the importance of broadband internet in today's society and seeks to bridge the digital divide by encouraging more communities to invest in broadband infrastructure.

The key provisions of the bill include offering grants and loans to communities that are looking to expand their broadband networks. These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as laying down fiber optic cables, upgrading existing infrastructure, or implementing new technologies to improve internet speeds.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Broadband Incentives Program, which will be overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This program will provide technical assistance and guidance to communities seeking to improve their broadband services, as well as monitor the progress of funded projects to ensure they are meeting their goals. Overall, the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act aims to promote economic development, improve access to education and healthcare services, and enhance overall quality of life by expanding broadband internet access in underserved communities. It is a bipartisan effort to address the digital divide and ensure that all Americans have access to high-speed internet services.

Congressional Summary of HR 1241

Broadband Incentives for Communities Act

This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to establish a grant program to assist local governments and Indian tribes with efficient review and approval of zoning or permitting applications that facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure.

Grant recipients must use awarded funds to build application processing capacity or to purchase technology, software, and equipment to facilitate the processing of applications.

The NTIA must also establish the Local Broadband Advisory Council to develop solutions to challenges faced by local governments, Indian tribes, and infrastructure providers in facilitating wireless and broadband deployment, including in unserved and underserved communities.

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Current Status of Bill HR 1241

Bill HR 1241 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 28, 2023. Bill HR 1241 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on February 28, 2023. Bill HR 1241's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. as of March 10, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1241

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1241

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1241

Broadband Incentives for Communities Act

To direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish a competitive grant program to assist local governments in providing efficient review and approval of zoning and permitting applications that facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure, and for other purposes.