House Communications Subcommittee Works to Improve Public Safety and Rein in FCC’s Lifeline Program

The House Communications Subcommittee, Chaired by Rep Greg Walden (D-OR), held a legislative hearing to examine bills that improve Americans' access to public safety in emergency situations, improve Spectrum efficiency, bring broadband to skilled nursing facilities, and limit spending in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program. Members of the subcommittee examined the following bills:

The Rural Health Care Connectivity Act of 2015 (HR 4111), authored by committee member Rep Leonard Lance (R-NJ), would: Allow skilled nursing facilities to apply for universal service funding for communications services used to provide health care in rural communities.

Kari’s Law Act of 2015 (HR 4167), authored by Rep Louie Gohmert (R-TX), would: Require that any multi-line telephone system, commonly found in schools, offices, hotels, and hospitals connect directly to 911 when dialed, even in instances where the phone requires the user to dial “9” to get an outside line. “Thanks to Kari’s Law, there will be no question that when a child dials 9-1-1, they will reach the emergency dispatcher without any additional prefix required” said Chairman Walden.

The CURB Lifeline Act (HR 4884), authored by Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), would: Reform the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline subsidy program by capping the fund at $1.5 billion, prohibiting the use of the subsidy for devices, and phasing out the subsidy for voice only service for mobile. Chairman Walden stated, “We are not opposed to the mission of Lifeline. Universal connectivity is a core principle in this country, particularly for those who need it most, like children from low-income families. What we cannot support is a fund that lacks external controls and is susceptible to waste, fraud, and abuse.”

The Kelsey Smith Act (HR 4889), authored by Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS), would: Require telecommunications carriers to share location data with law enforcement if law enforcement believes that someone is in danger of death or serious harm. Melissa Smith, Treasurer of the Kelsey Smith Foundation and Parent of Kelsey Smith, testified, “Not a single state that has enacted the Kelsey Smith Act has reported any officer misconduct in the use of the Act. Kelsey’s Law saves lives.” “The Kelsey Smith Act bill seeks to protect the privacy of users while still allowing access when the situation demands it,” Chairman Walden commented. “It utilizes existing technology to help law enforcement better respond when someone is in serious danger.”