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IL HB3275

IL HB3275
LOW INCOME BROADBAND PROGRAM


summary

Introduced
02/19/2021
In Committee
03/27/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2022

Introduced Session

102nd General Assembly

Bill Summary

Creates the Illinois Low Income Broadband Assistance Program Act. Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish an Illinois Low Income Broadband Assistance Program (Program) to ensure the availability and affordability of broadband service to low income families in order to access remote learning and work platforms. Provides that the Department shall coordinate with Local Administrative Agencies to determine eligibility for the Program, provided that eligible income shall be no more than 150% of the federal poverty level. Provides that families whose annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level shall be eligible for free broadband service. Provides that a credit of at least $9.95 a month for broadband services shall be payable monthly to: (i) families whose annual household income is above 135% of the federal poverty level but no greater than 150% of the federal poverty level; and (ii) families that include at least one adult person or dependent child who qualifies for or participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Supplemental Security Income program, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits Programs, and other specified assistance programs. Provides that the $9.95 broadband service credit may be adjusted according to family size. Provides that families who participate in the federal Lifeline program or any other State Internet service subsidy program shall not be eligible to participate in the Illinois Low Income Broadband Assistance Program. Provides bill payment requirements. Provides for the adoption of rules.

AI Summary

This bill creates the Illinois Low Income Broadband Assistance Program to ensure the availability and affordability of broadband service to low-income families. The bill requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to coordinate with Local Administrative Agencies to determine eligibility, which is limited to households with income no more than 150% of the federal poverty level. Families with income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level are eligible for free broadband service, while those with income above 135% but no greater than 150% are eligible for a monthly credit of at least $9.95 for broadband service. The credit amount may be adjusted based on family size. Families participating in the federal Lifeline program or other state internet service subsidy programs are ineligible for this program. The bill also outlines the payment process for the broadband service providers and provides the Department with rulemaking authority to implement the program.

Committee Categories

Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee (on 03/27/2021)

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