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Bill

A 2542

Provides public assistance for home internet service

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Cunningham and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 2542 provides financial assistance for home internet service to low-income families, promoting digital equity and access to education, healthcare, and jobs.

REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2542

Summary of Bill A 2542

Bill Number: A 2542
Title: Provides Public Assistance for Home Internet Service
Status: Reported, Referred to Ways and Means
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 2542 aims to provide public assistance for home internet service, recognizing the increasing importance of internet access in modern society. The bill seeks to ensure that low-income households have the necessary resources to obtain reliable internet service, thereby promoting digital equity and access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Key Provisions

  • Public Assistance Program: The bill establishes a program to provide financial assistance for home internet service to eligible low-income families.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Specific criteria will be outlined to determine which households qualify for assistance, likely based on income levels and family size.
  • Funding Mechanism: The bill will detail how the program will be funded, potentially through state budget allocations or federal grants.
  • Implementation Timeline: The bill will specify a timeline for the rollout of the assistance program, including application processes and disbursement of funds.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Low-Income Households: Families that meet the eligibility criteria will benefit from reduced costs for home internet service.
  • Internet Service Providers: Providers may see an increase in subscribers as more households gain access to affordable internet options.
  • Educational Institutions: Schools and educational programs may experience improved engagement and participation from students who can access online resources.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 17, 2025, and referred to the Social Services Committee for initial review.
  • Reported: On March 25, 2025, the bill was reported out of committee and referred to the Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.

Related Bills

  • A 8103 (Prior Session): A related bill from a previous legislative session that may have addressed similar issues regarding internet access.
  • A 5871 (Prior Session): Another prior session bill that could provide context or background on legislative efforts related to internet service assistance.
  • S 8576 (Companion Bill): A companion bill in the Senate that may mirror the provisions of A 2542, indicating bipartisan interest in the issue.

Conclusion

Bill A 2542 represents a significant step towards ensuring that all families have access to essential internet services. By providing financial assistance, the bill aims to bridge the digital divide and support low-income households in accessing vital online resources. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further details on implementation and funding will be crucial for understanding its full impact.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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