House Passes Access Broadband Act, Pirate Radio Bill; Votes Planned on Other Measures
The House passed the Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand Act (HR-3994) and Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (HR-5709) Monday on voice votes. HR-3994 would establish…
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the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within NTIA. HR-5709 would increase fines for illegal pirate operations from $10,000 per violation to $100,000 per day per violation, up to a maximum of $2 million. The House Commerce Committee cleared both bills during a markup this month (see 1807120063). NAB and the New York State Broadcasters Association hailed House passage of HR-5709. The House was expected to have voted later on the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act (HR-2345) and Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act (HR-4881). HR-2345 and Senate-passed companion S-1015 would direct the FCC to work to designate a new national three-digit dialing code in the style of 911 for a mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline. HR-4881 and Senate companion S-2343 would establish a task force to identify internet connectivity gaps in agricultural areas.