Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2026

Section 2 amends the law to include high-speed internet service, necessary equipment, and a one-time installation fee in public housing utility allowances. This helps families by covering the costs of getting connected to the internet.

Section 2 allows qualified families with children who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch to receive these internet costs in their utility allowance. This directly benefits households with school-aged children by helping them access necessary educational tools.

Section 2 ensures that the internet service provider must supply a specific technology capable of blocking or filtering certain visual depictions to protect minors. This provides a safety measure for children accessing the internet in these households.

Section 2 limits the included monthly internet cost to the lowest cost available in the area. Families who choose a more expensive service must pay the difference themselves.

Section 2 expressly prohibits the utility allowance from including any costs for cable or satellite television service or telephone service. Families wanting these bundled services must pay for the television or phone portions out of pocket.

Section 2 restricts these internet utility allowances only to households that include children who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. Public housing residents without children, or with children who do not qualify for free and reduced-price lunch, are excluded from this benefit.