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H.R. 1673House117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

To require the Federal Communications Commission to make the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses eligible for E-rate support.

Sponsored by Peter WelchRep. Peter Welch (D-VT)
Introduced March 9, 2021

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 7, 2026 at 11:58 PM UTC

The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission to allow Wi‑Fi service on school buses to qualify for E‑Rate funding. By expanding the program, schools and districts could receive discounted support to provide internet access to students while riding buses. The change would affect school districts, bus operators, and the students they transport.

Key Provisions

  • Defines a “school bus” as a vehicle carrying a driver and at least five passengers used to transport K‑12 students to or from school or school‑related events.
  • Requires the FCC, within 180 days of enactment, to begin rulemaking that makes Wi‑Fi provision on school buses eligible for E‑Rate program support.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Communications and Technology Subcommittee

March 10, 2021

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

March 9, 2021

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Energy and Commerce Committee

March 9, 2021

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Communications and Technology Subcommittee

March 10, 2021

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued March 9, 2021

I

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1673

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 9, 2021

Mr. Welch (for himself, Mr. Tonko, Mr. McNerney, Ms. Leger Fernandez, Mr. Cárdenas, Mr. Veasey, and Ms. Blunt Rochester) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL

To require the Federal Communications Commission to make the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses eligible for E-rate support.

1.

E-rate support for school bus Wi-Fi

(a)

Definition

In this section, the term school bus means a passenger motor vehicle that is—

(1)

designed to carry a driver and not less than 5 passengers; and

(2)

used significantly to transport early child education, elementary school, or secondary school students to or from school or an event related to school.

(b)

Rulemaking

Notwithstanding the limitations under paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(A) of section 254(h) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254(h)) regarding the authorized recipients and uses of discounted telecommunications services, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall commence a rulemaking to make the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses eligible for support under the E-rate program of the Commission set forth under subpart F of part 54 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations.