To establish the National Fab Lab Network, a nonprofit organization consisting of a national network of local digital fabrication facilities providing universal access to advanced manufacturing tools for workforce development, STEM education, developing inventions, creating businesses, producing personalized products, mitigating risks, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · July 31, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
This bill establishes the National Fab Lab Network, a nonprofit organization designed to create a national network of local digital fabrication facilities, commonly called fab labs, that provide public access to advanced manufacturing equipment like 3D printers and computerized cutting machines. The network aims to support workforce development, STEM education, business creation, and innovation by establishing at least one fab lab in each Congressional District, with priority given to underserved communities. The corporation will be governed by a board of 7 to 15 members appointed by Senate and House leaders and representing diverse geographic regions, tribal communities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. As a nonprofit, the organization cannot issue stock, pay dividends, or distribute assets to board members, though it may accept funds from private sources and government agencies to support fab lab operations. The corporation must submit annual reports to Congress detailing its activities and progress toward building the national network.
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