Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
This bill amends 18 U.S.C. §1362 to explicitly cover broadband internet access service and facilities, expands protected communications infrastructure beyond military or civil defense use, and adds a statutory definition of “broadband internet access service,” including FCC authority to identify functional equivalents. It also inserts language covering persons or entities operated or controlled by the United States.
Liberal emphasizes civil liberties and equitable enforcement concerns
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a targeted substantive change that primarily operates by amending the definition of covered communications in 18 U.S.C. §1362 to encompass broadband internet access service and to defer to FCC findings of functional equivalence.
This bill amends 18 U.S.C. §1362 to explicitly cover broadband internet access service and facilities, expands protected communications infrastructure beyond military or civil defense use, and adds a statutory definition of “broadband internet access service,” including FCC authority to identify functional equivalents.
It also inserts language covering persons or entities operated or controlled by the United States.
The amendment makes destruction or theft of broadband infrastructure subject to the section’s criminal prohibitions.
Content is narrow and noncontroversial, increasing prospects; lack of procedural or political context leaves moderate uncertainty.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a targeted substantive change that primarily operates by amending the definition of covered communications in 18 U.S.C. §1362 to encompass broadband internet access service and to defer to FCC findings of functional equivalence.
Liberal emphasizes civil liberties and equitable enforcement concerns
These are examples from the analysis, not a ranked list of the most-affected groups.
Liberal emphasizes civil liberties and equitable enforcement concerns
Likely broadly supportive because it protects essential internet infrastructure relied upon for speech, services, and equity.
May raise cautious concerns about law enforcement overreach or impacts on lawful protest if enforcement language is broad.
Generally supportive as a targeted clarification protecting infrastructure and updating definitions for modern networks.
Wants technical and legal clarity on scope, penalties, and interplay with state laws before full endorsement.
Likely supportive of stronger criminal protection for infrastructure, but cautious about expanding federal reach and delegating definitional authority to the FCC.
Prefers limited federal intrusion and clear limits on enforcement.
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Still ahead
Still ahead
Still ahead
Content is narrow and noncontroversial, increasing prospects; lack of procedural or political context leaves moderate uncertainty.
The bill has not accumulated any surfaced votes yet.
Liberal emphasizes civil liberties and equitable enforcement concerns
Content is narrow and noncontroversial, increasing prospects; lack of procedural or political context leaves moderate uncertainty.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a targeted substantive change that primarily operates by amending the definition of covered communications in 18 U.S.C. §1362 to encompass broadband internet acces…
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