February 26, 2026
Ms. Ernst introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
To terminate the ability of eligible telecommunications carriers in certain States to use State eligibility determination processes in place of the National Verifier to determine the eligibility of consumers for Lifeline service.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the No Lifeline for Dead People Act
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Sec. 2. Mandatory use of National Verifier to determine Lifeline eligibility
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible telecommunications carrier
The term eligible telecommunications carrier means a common carrier designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier under section 214(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 214(e)).
(2) Lifeline service
The term Lifeline service means voice telephony service or broadband internet access service provided under the program set forth in subpart E of part 54 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
(3) National Verifier
The term National Verifier has the meaning given the term in section 54.400 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
(b) Mandatory use of National Verifier
An eligible telecommunications carrier may not provide Lifeline service to a consumer unless the carrier has used the National Verifier to verify the eligibility of the consumer for Lifeline service.