The Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 directs the Federal Communications Commission to create two grant programs aimed at expanding enrollment in the Lifeline program, which provides discounted broadband and phone services to low-income Americans. The first program makes competitive grants available to states to conduct outreach and inform eligible but unenrolled individuals about the Lifeline program, with at least 25 percent of applicant states receiving funding and preference given to states with higher numbers of eligible individuals and innovative outreach plans. The second program provides grants to all states and Indian tribes that apply to establish or maintain connections between their benefit program databases (such as food assistance programs) and the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, streamlining the eligibility verification process. The bill authorizes funding as necessary for the first program over five fiscal years and for the second program without a specific spending cap, with the FCC required to report to Congress within three years on the first program's effectiveness. Implementation regulations must be issued within 30 days of enactment, and the second program grants must be disbursed within 120 days.
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