H.R. 6814

Referred to Committee

Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act

Introduced 5/12/2020•116th Congress•House

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

5/12/2020 • House

Summary

Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act

This bill establishes and provides funds for the Emergency Higher Education Connectivity Fund. Specifically, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must use the fund to support institutions of higher education (IHEs) in providing broadband internet access service, videoconferencing systems and services used for distance learning, and equipment (e.g., computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other one-time costs) to enrolled students during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.

The bill requires the NTIA, in consultation with the Department of Education, to promulgate regulations within 14 days related to support for IHEs.

Among other things, the regulations must

prioritize support for IHEs that receive certain institutional grants, including historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, and rural-serving institutions;
require IHEs to prioritize support for students who are eligible for need-based financial aid; and
establish a schedule of reasonable per-student funding amounts for eligible services and equipment.

Introduced in House • 5/12/2020

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Topics & Subjects

Policy Area: Education

Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAppropriationsCardiovascular and respiratory healthComputers and information technologyDepartment of CommerceEducation of the disadvantagedEducation programs fundingEducational technology and distance educationEmergency medical services and trauma careGovernment trust fundsHigher educationInfectious and parasitic diseasesInternet and video servicesInternet, web applications, social mediaMinority educationRural conditions and developmentStudent aid and college costs