Bi-partisan Internet Accessibility Bill Introduced
This week, Representatives Nikema Williams (D-GA) and William Timmons (R-SC) introduced the bipartisan Home Internet Accessibility Act. The Home Internet Accessibility Act, if passed, will gather information on all federally assisted housing that lacks the capacity to support broadband service and will task HUD with producing an action plan, including retrofitting, to close Internet service gaps across our country. Additionally, the bill would ensure that lawmakers can identify the disparities in Internet access and its direct impact on underserved populations – families with children, low-income workers, women, persons with disabilities and people of color. Once the bill is enacted into law, HUD will be tasked with developing a plan for retrofitting affordable housing to support broadband service; and submit such plan to Congress 18 months after the bill’s passage. The Home Internet Accessibility Act was referred to the House Financial Services Committee for further consideration. NAHMA endorses this legislative effort and will keep members updated as the bill moves through Congress.
To view the press release, click here.
To view the full bill text, click here.