HR7302-119

What This Bill Does

The Digital Literacy and Equity Act establishes a Digital Literacy and Equity Commission. The Commission must study the state of digital literacy and information literacy in the United States, including federal, State, and local programs, conditions in low-income and disadvantaged areas, foreign programs, and strategies and best practices for maintaining higher literacy levels. The Commission can hold hearings, take testimony, receive evidence, and authorize members or agents to exercise those powers. Within two years after members are appointed, the chairperson must report to Congress with study results, recommendations to improve digital and information literacy through early education and community outreach, a method for measuring digital literacy nationally, and a plan for interagency coordination. The bill defines digital literacy, information literacy, disadvantaged area, and low-income.

Who Benefits and How

Students, adults in low-income areas, residents of disadvantaged areas, libraries, schools, and community outreach organizations benefit if the Commission identifies better digital literacy and information literacy strategies. Federal, State, and local programs benefit from a national inventory and recommendations for measuring digital literacy. Congress benefits from a two-year report with evidence, best practices, and an interagency coordination plan. Education and workforce organizations benefit if future programs use a clearer definition of digital literacy and information literacy.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Commission members and staff must conduct the study, hold hearings, collect testimony, compare foreign and domestic programs, analyze low-income and disadvantaged areas, and prepare the two-year report. Federal agencies must coordinate on existing digital literacy services and may need to supply data. State and local programs may be asked to provide evidence about current efforts and gaps. Congress must evaluate recommendations before deciding whether to fund or mandate follow-on digital equity programs.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Digital Literacy and Equity Commission.
• Requires a study of U.S. digital literacy, information literacy, low-income areas, disadvantaged areas, domestic programs, and foreign programs.
• Authorizes hearings, testimony, evidence collection, and Commission agent actions.
• Requires a two-year report with recommendations, national measurement methods, and interagency coordination plans.