Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act

Key Points

• This bill expands a federal grant program that helps rural areas get better technology. It would allow communities to use the money to build new facilities and improve their computer systems for online doctor visits and remote learning.
• Rural towns could use these funds for more than just health and school. The bill adds support for cybersecurity to protect data and digital literacy classes to help people learn how to use the internet safely.
• The plan focuses on helping people find work by funding job training and workforce development. It specifically mentions training workers to help build out high speed internet in rural parts of the country.
• If passed, these changes would start six months after the bill becomes law. This gives the government time to update the rules for how local groups can apply for the new types of funding.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.