Summary of S 3954: Bill to Terminate State Eligibility Processes for Lifeline Service
Overview
This bill, introduced in the U.S. Senate on February 26, 2026, seeks to terminate the ability of eligible telecommunications carriers in certain states to use state-level eligibility determination processes in place of the National Verifier to determine consumer eligibility for the Lifeline service program.
Key Provisions
Eliminate State Eligibility Processes: The bill would prohibit eligible telecommunications carriers in any state from using their own state-level eligibility determination processes to qualify consumers for Lifeline service. Instead, carriers would be required to use the centralized National Verifier system for all Lifeline eligibility determinations.
Reinforce National Verifier System: The legislation aims to strengthen the role of the Federal Communications Commission's National Verifier as the sole mechanism for verifying Lifeline program eligibility across the country. This would establish a uniform national standard for Lifeline enrollment.
Affected Parties
Telecommunications Carriers: Eligible telecommunications providers in certain states would no longer be able to use their own state-based processes to qualify consumers for Lifeline discounts. They would be required to use the National Verifier system.
Lifeline Consumers: Consumers seeking to enroll in or maintain Lifeline service would have their eligibility determined through the National Verifier, rather than potentially different state-level systems.
Federal Communications Commission: The FCC, which administers the Lifeline program and oversees the National Verifier, would have its authority reinforced by this legislation.
Procedural and Timeline Details
- The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate on February 26, 2026 and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for consideration.
- No further legislative action has been taken on the bill since its introduction.
