Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 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.
This bill establishes the National Fab Lab Network, a nonprofit organization to create a nationwide system of digital fabrication facilities, commonly called fab labs, where people can access advanced manufacturing tools like 3D printers and computer-controlled machinery. The corporation aims to provide universal access to these facilities with a goal of establishing at least one fab lab in each Congressional District, prioritizing underserved communities, while supporting STEM education, workforce development, business creation, and innovation. The organization will be governed by a board of 7 to 15 members appointed by congressional leadership and representing diverse geographic regions, tribal communities, educational institutions, libraries, and nonprofits, and it will maintain a national registry of fab labs while setting operational standards and guidelines. The corporation can accept funding from private and government sources and distribute those funds to establish and operate fab labs, but it operates as a nonprofit and cannot distribute profits to board members or issue stock. The bill requires the corporation to submit annual reports to Congress on its activities, establishing a framework for a coordinated public-private partnership to expand access to digital fabrication technology nationwide.
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