Rep Lawrence Introduces New Legislation to Increase Digital Literacy

Rep Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) introduced the Digital Literacy and Equity Commission Act (HR 6373), new legislation that streamlines the federal government’s approach to digital literacy. This bill brings together agency heads and experts to assess digital literacy in the United States, recommend how to measure digital literacy, and promote interagency cooperation. Right now there is no commonly used metric to measure digital literacy. The Digital Literacy and Equity Commission would be chaired by the Secretary of Education and the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission. This legislation would require the Commission to submit a report to Congress that contains recommendations on how to improve and maintain the digital and information literacy of individuals in the United States. In particular, this Commission would be tasked with addressing low-income and disadvantaged areas. The final report will include strategies to improve digital literacy through early education and community outreach.