[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2125 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 2125

     To improve public awareness in the United States among older 
   individuals and their families and caregivers about the impending 
 Digital Television Transition through the establishment of a Federal 
 interagency taskforce between the Federal Communications Commission, 
   the Administration on Aging, the National Telecommunications and 
   Information Administration, and the outside advice of appropriate 
           members of the aging network and industry groups.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            October 2, 2007

   Mr. Kohl introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
   referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
     To improve public awareness in the United States among older 
   individuals and their families and caregivers about the impending 
 Digital Television Transition through the establishment of a Federal 
 interagency taskforce between the Federal Communications Commission, 
   the Administration on Aging, the National Telecommunications and 
   Information Administration, and the outside advice of appropriate 
           members of the aging network and industry groups.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Preparing 
America's Seniors for the Digital Television Transition of Act of 
2007''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. DTV educational partnership to benefit older individuals.
Sec. 4. Provisions relating to forfeitures.
Sec. 5. Digital television transition public education outreach and 
                            installation assistance grants program.
Sec. 6. Modification of the digital-to-analog converter box program.
Sec. 7. Reporting requirements.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds that--
            (1) on February 17, 2009, television stations will cease 
        broadcasting analog signals and traditional analog televisions 
        will stop working unless they are connected to a digital-to-
        analog converter box, cable, or satellite;
            (2) a study conducted by the National Association of 
        Broadcasters revealed that over half of the respondents had 
        ``seen, read, or heard nothing'' about the transition to 
        digital television, and only 10 percent were able to guess that 
        the transition would occur in 2009;
            (3) according to a July 2007 study released by the 
        Association of Public Television Stations, older individuals--
                    (A) over the age of 65 are more likely to be found 
                in over-the-air households and are, therefore, a much 
                more vulnerable group with respect to maintaining 
                television service as the digital transition is 
                completed;
                    (B) as a group, are less likely to have purchased a 
                new television in the past 3 years, are less likely to 
                have HDTV capabilities in their households, and are 
                less likely to own a digital television;
                    (C) will not have the same exposure to digital 
                television transition messages from electronic 
                retailers as will younger members of the population; 
                and
                    (D) will need special focus in efforts to educate 
                the public with respect to the transition from analog 
                to digital television;
            (4) according to a Nielsen Media Research report, 
        approximately 20,000,000 households rely exclusively on analog 
        or free over-the-air broadcasts;
            (5) of these 20,000,000 households, approximately 8,000,000 
        include at least 1 person over the age of 50, according to the 
        Nielsen Media Research TV Household Estimates;
            (6) according to the General Accountability Office, about 
        48 percent of over-the-air households have incomes under 
        $30,000;
            (7) frail, homebound, rural, minority, disabled, limited 
        English proficient, and low-income older individuals will need 
        specific guidance and assistance in order to purchase and 
        properly install a digital-to-analog converter box;
            (8) without a targeted outreach program residents in 
        nursing homes and assisted living facilities represent a 
        segment of the population at risk for losing television service 
        as a result of the digital transition;
            (9) failure to seamlessly transition from analog to digital 
        television will restrict or eliminate the access of older 
        individuals to essential preparedness and safety information in 
        the event of an emergency or disaster, as such individuals will 
        be unable to receive national and local alerts aired over 
        television;
            (10) it is now 6 years after the communication failures of 
        September 11, 2001, which spurred Federal Government adoption 
        of a firm digital television transition date;
            (11) unfortunately the Department of Commerce and the 
        Federal Communications Commission have not adequately assured 
        Congress that vulnerable households will be properly educated 
        and prepared for such transition; and
            (12) older individuals, their families, caregivers, and 
        aging support networks will need targeted outreach to inform 
        them of steps to take in order to ensure uninterrupted 
        television service and to help mitigate potential digital 
        television transition scams that may target the elderly.

SEC. 3. DTV EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP TO BENEFIT OLDER INDIVIDUALS.

    Part I of title III of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 
301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 342. FEDERAL INTERAGENCY TASKFORCE TO EDUCATE OLDER INDIVIDUALS 
              ON THE DTV TRANSITION OF 2009.

    ``(a) Establishment.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Chairman and Commissioners of the 
        Federal Communications Commission shall enter into a 
        partnership with the Administration on Aging and the National 
        Telecommunications and Information Administration, to create a 
        comprehensive public education campaign that provides 
        information and assistance to older individuals, their 
        families, caregivers, and aging support networks about measures 
        that may be taken--
                    ``(A) to ensure that such older individuals receive 
                uninterrupted television service during the transition 
                from analog to digital television that is to occur on 
                February 17, 2009; and
                    ``(B) to mitigate the likelihood of success of 
                fraudulent schemes relating to such transition that may 
                target such older individuals.
            ``(2) Access to resources.--In carrying out the educational 
        campaign required under paragraph (1), the federal interagency 
        taskforce established under such paragraph shall utilize 
        existing resources and efforts of the Federal, State, and local 
        governments, industry, and other appropriate entities.
            ``(3) Timing.--The educational campaign required under 
        paragraph (1) shall commence not later than January 1, 2008 or 
        60 days after the date of enactment of this section.
    ``(b) Advisory Board.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Commission, the Administration on 
        Aging, and the National Telecommunications and Information 
        Administration shall establish an advisory board to recommend 
        to the federal interagency task force established under 
        subsection (a) the type, manner, and content of the information 
        to be used as part of the educational campaign required under 
        such subsection.
            ``(2) Membership.--The advisory board established under 
        paragraph (1) shall consist of 2 designees each from the 
        Commission, the Administration on Aging, and the National 
        Telecommunications and Information Administration and no more 
        than 30 additional members, which shall include--
                    ``(A) representatives from the aging network, as 
                such term is defined in section 102 of the Older 
                Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002), such as the 
                National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Meals 
                on Wheels Association of America, and National 
                Association of State Units on Aging;
                    ``(B) representatives from the entity or entities 
                that the Assistant Secretary for Communications and 
                Information selects or assigns to administer the 
                digital-to-analog converter box program required under 
                section 3005(c)(2)(A) of the Digital Television 
                Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (Public Law 
                109-171; 120 Stat. 23);
                    ``(C) representatives from the associations of 
                industry and related stakeholder groups to include--
                            ``(i) commercial and noncommercial 
                        broadcasters;
                            ``(ii) manufacturers and retailers of 
                        consumer electronics equipment;
                            ``(iii) cable operators; and
                            ``(iv) satellite providers;
                    ``(D) State, local, and tribal governments, such as 
                the National Association of Telecommunications Officers 
                and Advisors and the National Governors Association;
                    ``(E) members from the general public who have 
                expertise in consumer education and outreach;
                    ``(F) older individuals;
                    ``(G) representatives from--
                            ``(i) minority groups, including Hispanic 
                        Americans;
                            ``(ii) Americans whose primary language is 
                        not English;
                            ``(iii) tribal groups;
                            ``(iv) Americans with disabilities;
                            ``(v) Americans living in rural 
                        communities;
                            ``(vi) nursing homes and assisted living 
                        facilities; and
                            ``(vii) consumer protection groups; and
                    ``(H) representatives from low-income assistance 
                program providers.
            ``(3) Appointment.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
        of enactment of this section, the Commission, the 
        Administration on Aging, and the National Telecommunications 
        and Information Administration shall appoint each member of the 
        advisory board.
            ``(4) Chairman.--The members of the Advisory Board shall 
        elect 1 member to serve as Chairman within 30 days after the 
        date of enactment of this section, in order to facilitate rapid 
        creation and implementation of the Advisory Board.
    ``(c) Duties.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Federal interagency taskforce 
        established under subsection (a) shall carry out a nationwide 
        program with the assistance of the advisory board established 
        under subsection (b) that includes, at a minimum--
                    ``(A) an easily comprehensible explanation of the 
                digital television transition, including--
                            ``(i) the effective date of such 
                        transition; and
                            ``(ii) who is affected by such transition;
                    ``(B) the public safety and emergency preparedness 
                concerns the transition will address, such as the 
                Digital Emergency Alert System and reverse 911, and the 
                potential public safety hazards to older individuals of 
                not successfully transitioning to digital television;
                    ``(C) instructions to determine whether a 
                television will receive a digital signal and, if not, 
                the options to ensure reception of a digital signal and 
                the related costs;
                    ``(D) information related to the digital-to-analog 
                converter box coupon program, eligible versus 
                noneligible converter boxes, certified retailers, and 
                important associated deadlines; and
                    ``(E) tips on how to avoid potential fraudulent 
                schemes related to the digital television transition 
                that may target older individuals.
            ``(2) Additional duties.--The Federal interagency taskforce 
        established under subsection (a) shall--
                    ``(A) examine ways to simplify the purchasing and 
                installing of a digital-to-analog converter box for 
                older individuals and take into consideration the 
                unique needs of frail, homebound, minority, disabled, 
                limited English proficient, rural, and low-income older 
                individuals, as well as residents of nursing homes and 
                assisted living facilities;
                    ``(B) consult with and seek assistance from the 
                Commission's Homeland Security and Public Safety 
                Bureau;
                    ``(C) establish specific and realistic benchmarks 
                for identifying the estimated reach of the public 
                education campaign required under this section to older 
                individuals, their families, caregivers, and aging 
                support networks;
                    ``(D) coordinate with stakeholder to properly 
                implement the comprehensive education campaign;
                    ``(E) provide, at no cost, to non profit entities 
                such as entities within the aging network consumer 
                education materials and technical assistance regarding 
                the transition from analog to digital television that 
                is to occur on February 17, 2009; and
                    ``(F) specifically analyze the impact of the 
                transition from analog to digital television on the 
                residents of non profit nursing homes and assisted 
                living facilities.
    ``(d) Report.--
            ``(1) Initial report.--Not later than 90 days after the 
        date of enactment of this section, the Commissioner, the 
        Assistant Secretary for Aging, and the Assistant Secretary for 
        Communications and Information shall submit a report to 
        Congress on--
                    ``(A) the ability of the Federal interagency 
                taskforce to meet the requirements and duties described 
                under subsection (c); and
                    ``(B) that summarizes each agency's efforts to 
                increase consumer education and awareness about the 
                transition from analog to digital television among 
                older individuals, as well as that agency's efforts to 
                coordinate with the other Federal and non-Federal 
                members of the taskforce and the advisory board.
            ``(2) Content of report.--The report required under 
        paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, also include the following:
                    ``(A) How the Federal interagency taskforce will 
                meet the specific benchmarks established under 
                subsection (c)(2)(C) to ensure that older individuals 
                who rely on over-the-air broadcasting are not left 
                without television service after February 17, 2009.
                    ``(B) How the Federal interagency taskforce will 
                address the unique needs of frail, homebound, disabled, 
                minority, rural, limited English proficiency and low-
                income older individuals, as well as residents of 
                nursing homes and assisted living facilities, all of 
                whom will need specific guidance and assistance in 
                order to purchase and install a digital-to-analog 
                converter box through the National Telecommunications 
                and Information Administration's Digital-to-Analog 
                Converter Box Coupon Program without any undue burden.
                    ``(C) How the Federal interagency taskforce will 
                provide guidance and technical assistance to the 
                families, caregivers, and aging support networks of 
                these vulnerable older individuals.
                    ``(D) How the Federal interagency taskforce will 
                mitigate potential scams that may target the elderly 
                throughout the course of the National 
                Telecommunications and Information Administration's 
                Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program.
                    ``(E) How the Federal interagency taskforce will 
                coordinate between State, local, and tribal governments 
                and the head of each Federal agency overseeing a low-
                income assistance program, such as the Supplemental 
                Security Income Program, the Low Income Home Energy 
                Assistance Program, the Lifeline Assistance, and Link 
                Up America programs, to ensure that such programs 
                disseminate information about the transition from 
                analog to digital television to their program 
                recipients.
                    ``(F) What resources will be necessary to provide 
                outreach and assistance at the community level and how 
                the taskforce will prioritize such resources.
            ``(3) Final report.--Not later than 3 months before 
        February 17, 2009, the Commissioner, Assistant Secretary for 
        Aging, and the Assistant Secretary for Communications and 
        Information shall submit a report to Congress that describes--
                    ``(A) the level of outreach and success achieved by 
                the education campaign required under subsection (a); 
                and
                    ``(B) the necessary remaining steps that must be 
                taken in order to ensure that older individuals who 
                rely on over-the-air broadcasting are not left without 
                television service after February 17, 2009.
    ``(e) Definition of Older Individual.--For purposes of this 
section, the term `older individual' means an individual who is 50 
years of age or older.
    ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Federal interagency taskforce established under 
subsection (a) such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this section in addition to--
            ``(1) amounts transferred pursuant to section 344(c)(5) of 
        this Act; and
            ``(2) amounts transferred pursuant to section 503(b)(7) of 
        this Act.
    ``(g) Return of Unexpended Funds.--Upon termination of the Federal 
interagency taskforce, any unexpended funds shall be paid back to the 
original source of such funds, including to the general accounts of the 
Federal Communications Commission held at the Treasury for any amounts 
deposited in the fund pursuant to paragraphs (1) or (2) of subsection 
(f).

``SEC. 343. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO THE DTV TRANSITION.

    ``(a) Requirements on Broadcasters.--
            ``(1) Psas.--Beginning on the date of enactment of this 
        section and ending on March 31, 2009, the Commission shall 
        require each full power commercial television broadcast 
        licensee or permittee to broadcast during each day between the 
        hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., public service announcements 
        notifying the public, in particular older individuals and their 
        families, caregivers, and aging support networks, of the 
        transition from analog to digital television that is to occur 
        after February 17, 2009.
            ``(2) Time requirements and total running time.--Based on 
        the overall concentration of over-the-air households by State 
        and locality, broadcasters shall air a minimum of 60 seconds of 
        public service announcements per day at variable time slots 
        throughout the week, with half airing between 5 p.m. and 11 
        p.m.
            ``(3) Required content.--Any public service announcement 
        broadcast after January 1, 2008, shall include--
                    ``(A) information concerning the digital-to-analog 
                converter box program required under section 3005 of 
                the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act 
                of 2005 (Public Law 109-171; 120 Stat. 23);
                    ``(B) such additional consumer information as the 
                Federal interagency taskforce may recommend based on 
                input from the advisory committee established under 
                section 342; and
                    ``(C) such additional information as local 
                broadcasters may determine necessary to appropriately 
                educate their viewers about the transition from analog 
                to digital television.
            ``(4) Consumer education plans.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2008, 
                or 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act if 
                this Act is enacted after such date, each full power 
                commercial television broadcast licensee or permittee 
                shall have in place a comprehensive consumer education 
                plan to inform local viewers about the impending the 
                transition from analog to digital television based on 
                the overall concentration of over-the-air households by 
                State and locality.
                    ``(B) Programs.--Programs carried out under the 
                plan required by subparagraph (A) may include 
                educational programming, donut spots, crawls, and 
                speaking events.
            ``(5) Periodic reports to the fcc.--
                    ``(A) Commercial broadcasters.--Not later than 90 
                days after the date of enactment of this section, and 
                every 90 days thereafter until March 31, 2009, each 
                commercial television broadcast licensee or permittee 
                shall submit a report to the Commission detailing their 
                efforts to comply with the requirements of this 
                subsection.
                    ``(B) Non commercial broadcasters.--Not later than 
                June 18, 2008 the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, 
                as defined in section 397(2) shall submit a report to 
                the Commission on behalf of television public broadcast 
                stations--
                            ``(i) detailing the activities of the 
                        public television industry in educating the 
                        public about the digital transition; and
                            ``(ii) including information relating to--
                                    ``(I) airtime allocated towards 
                                consumer education; and
                                    ``(II) other outreach efforts.
                    ``(C) Public availability.--The Commission shall 
                make any report required under subparagraph (A) or (B) 
                available to the public on the Internet, without fee or 
                other access charge, in a searchable and downloadable 
                manner.
    ``(b) Requirements on MVPD.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2008, or 30 
        days after the date of enactment of this Act if this Act is 
        enacted after such date, each multichannel video programming 
        distributor (as defined in section 602) shall develop a plan to 
        notify subscribers about the transition from analog to digital 
        television that is to occur on February 17, 2009.
            ``(2) Requirements of plan.--The plan required under 
        paragraph (1) shall explain--
                    ``(A) what the digital transition is;
                    ``(B) how the transition will affect subscribers of 
                the multichannel video programming distributor; and
                    ``(C) such additional information as multichannel 
                video programming distributors may determine necessary 
                to appropriately educate their viewers about the 
                transition from analog to digital television.
    ``(c) Requirements for Electronics Retailers and Distributors of 
Converter Boxes.--
            ``(1) Requirements for manufacturers of converter boxes.--
        The manufacturer of any digital-to-analog converter box that is 
        eligible to be obtained using a redeemable Federal coupon and 
        that is manufactured in the United States or shipped in 
        interstate commerce shall--
                    ``(A) place an appropriate label on the retail 
                packaging of the converter box; and
                    ``(B) maintain a toll-free 1-800 number that 
                customers can call to obtain installation assistance.
            ``(2) Label requirement.--For purposes of paragraph (1), an 
        appropriate label is a label that meets the following 
        requirements:
                    ``(A) The label is displayed--
                            ``(i) in a clear and conspicuous manner; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) in large and visible font.
                    ``(B) The label informs the consumer that the 
                converter box is fully compliant with all Federal 
                standards relating to the eligibility of that converter 
                box to be used with the Federal coupon program 
                described under section 3005 of the Digital Television 
                Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (Public Law 
                109-171; 120 Stat. 23). The information required to be 
                included on a label under this subparagraph may be 
                conveyed by affixing the following phrase to the label: 
                `NTIA Coupon-Eligible'.
            ``(3) Requirements for in-store retailers.--Each in-store 
        retailer shall place adjacent to digital-to-analog converter 
        boxes that such retailer displays for sale or rent, a separate 
        sign that identifies which converter boxes are `NTIA Coupon-
        Eligible'.
            ``(4) Requirements for other retailers.--Any retailer of 
        digital-to-analog converter boxes that sells such converter 
        boxes via direct mail, catalog, or electronic means, shall 
        ensure that all advertisements or descriptions of such 
        converter box identifies whether or not such converter box is 
        `NTIA Coupon-Eligible'.
            ``(5) Penalties.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The forfeiture penalties 
                established by section 503(b) shall apply to a 
                violation of any requirement under this section.
                    ``(B) Transfer to federal interagency taskforce.--
                The amount of any forfeiture penalty determined, 
                imposed, or otherwise assessed by the Commission for 
                violations of this section shall be transferred to the 
                accounts of the Federal interagency taskforce 
                established pursuant to section 342.
    ``(d) Report of Certified Retailers.--The National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration shall require--
            ``(1) each retailer certified by the Administration to 
        participate in the digital-to-analog converter box coupon 
        program under section 3005 of the Digital Television Transition 
        and Public Safety Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171; 120 Stat. 
        23); and
            ``(2) not later than 30 days after certification, each such 
        retailer to report to the Administration on their employee 
        training or consumer information plans regarding the transition 
        from analog to digital television that is to occur on February 
        17, 2009.
    ``(e) Report of Other Federal Agencies.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the head of each Federal agency that 
        oversees a low-income assistance program, as determined by the 
        Federal interagency taskforce, and including the Supplemental 
        Security Income Program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance 
        Program, shall report to the Commission on how such agency or 
        program will work with the Federal interagency taskforce 
        established under section 342 to ensure coordinated efforts are 
        made to disseminate consumer education materials developed 
        under such section on the transition from analog to digital 
        television to eligible program participants.
            ``(2) Required content.--The report required under 
        paragraph (1) should affirm each Federal agency's commitment to 
        assist with the nationwide transition from analog to digital 
        television.
    ``(f) Definition of Older Individual.--For purposes of this 
section, the term `older individual' means an individual who is 50 
years of age or older.''.

SEC. 4. PROVISIONS RELATING TO FORFEITURES.

    (a) In General.--Section 503(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 
(47 U.S.C. 503(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(7) Beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph 
        and ending on February 17, 2009, the amount of any forfeiture 
        penalty determined, imposed, or otherwise assessed by the 
        Commission, and payable into the Treasury of the United States, 
        for violations of the point of sale disclosure requirements for 
        analog-only television equipment as described in the Second 
        Periodic Review of the Commission's Rules and Policies 
        Affecting the Conversion To Digital Television (MB Docket No. 
        03-15; RM-9832; adopted April 25, 2007) during such period 
        shall be transferred to the accounts of the Federal interagency 
        taskforce established pursuant to section 342.''.
    (b) Future Rulemakings Related to Digital Television Transition.--
The Federal Communications Commission shall in any future rulemaking 
related to the nationwide transition from analog to digital television 
that is to occur on February 17, 2009, ensure that any proposed 
forfeiture penalty for violation of such rule is transferred to the 
accounts of the Federal interagency taskforce established pursuant to 
section 343 of the Communications Act of 1934 (as added under section 3 
of this Act).

SEC. 5. DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION PUBLIC EDUCATION OUTREACH AND 
              INSTALLATION ASSISTANCE GRANTS PROGRAM.

    (a) Program Authorized.--
            (1) Grants.--The Federal Communications Commission shall 
        award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to--
                    (A) provide public education outreach about the 
                digital television transition taking place on February 
                17, 2009 to vulnerable populations particularly at risk 
                for losing television reception as a result of the 
                digital television transition; and
                    (B) provide assistance with the purchasing and 
                installation of digital-to-analog converter boxes to 
                vulnerable populations particularly at risk for losing 
                television reception as a result of the digital 
                television transition.
            (2) Grant periods.--The Commission shall award grants under 
        this section for a period of up to 3 years.
    (b) Application.--
            (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        this section, an entity shall submit an application to the 
        Commission at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
        information as the Commission may require.
            (2) Action.--The Commission shall take such action 
        necessary to award grants not later than 90 days after the date 
        of enactment of this section.
    (c) Preference.--The Commission shall give priority in awarding 
grants under this section to an entity that--
            (1) will provide public education outreach and installation 
        assistance to older individuals and other vulnerable 
        populations (with particular attention to individuals with 
        disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, 
        individuals residing in rural areas, minorities, and low-income 
        communities);
            (2) has demonstrated experience in providing outreach and 
        assistance to older individuals and other vulnerable 
        populations; and
            (3) can demonstrate the ability and commitment to 
        identifying, after February 17, 2009, the date of the 
        transition, those households that may have lost television 
        reception and can aid in reinstating television reception for 
        such households.
    (d) Partnerships.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Commission may encourage applicants to enter into a partnership with 1 
or more private entities who may assist with training or providing 
donated technologies including digital televisions or digital-to-analog 
converter boxes.
    (e) Use of Funds.--
            (1) In general.--An eligible entity shall use funds made 
        available under a grant awarded under this section to--
                    (A) carry out a project described in subsection 
                (a); and
                    (B) evaluate the project in accordance with 
                subsection (h).
            (2) Relationship to other funding sources.--Funds made 
        available under this section shall supplement, and not 
        supplant, any Federal, State, and local funds expended by a 
        State or unit of general purpose local government to provide 
        the services described in subsection (a).
    (f) Eligible Entities.--An entity eligible to receive a grant under 
subsection (a) shall be--
            (1) a nonprofit organization, an area agency on aging or 
        other local government agency, a State unit on aging or other 
        State government agency, and a tribal government or 
        organization (including a consortium thereof) that--
                    (A) has the ability to conduct the coordination, 
                promotion, and facilitation described in subsection 
                (a); and
                    (B) has experience providing outreach and 
                assistance targeted at older individuals and other 
                vulnerable populations (with particular attention to 
                individuals with disabilities, individuals with limited 
                English proficiency, individuals residing in rural 
                areas, minorities, and low-income communities); or
            (2) any other entity not described in paragraph (1) that--
                    (A) the Commission determines to be appropriate to 
                carry out a project under subsection (a); and
                    (B) demonstrates experience conducting public 
                education outreach campaigns and providing assistance 
                targeted at older individuals and other vulnerable 
                populations.
    (g) Competitive Grants for Technical Assistance.--The Commission 
may make a grant, on a competitive basis, to an eligible nonprofit 
organization, to enable the organization to--
            (1) provide technical assistance to recipients of grants 
        under subsection (a); and
            (2) carry out other duties, as determined by the 
        Commission.
    (h) Local Evaluation and Report.--
            (1) Evaluation.--Each entity or consortium thereof 
        receiving a grant under subsection (a) to carry out a project 
        described in subsection (a) shall evaluate the outreach and 
        assistance carried out under the project to determine--
                    (A) the effectiveness of the outreach and 
                assistance involved; and
                    (B) the impact of such outreach and assistance on 
                the community being served and the organization 
                providing the outreach and assistance.
            (2) Report.--The organization shall submit a report to the 
        Commission containing the evaluation not later than 3 months 
        after the expiration of the period for which the grant is in 
        effect.
    (i) Annual Report to Congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
close of fiscal year 2008 and fiscal year 2009, the Commission shall 
prepare and submit a full and complete report to Congress on the 
activities carried out under this section which shall--
            (1) summarize the distribution of funds authorized for 
        grants under this section and the expenditure of such funds;
            (2) summarize the scope and content of the public education 
        outreach campaigns and assistance carried out under this 
        section; and
            (3) make recommendations for legislative or administrative 
        action, as the Commission determines appropriate.
    (j) Final Report to Congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
close of fiscal year 2010 the Commission shall prepare and submit a 
full and complete report to Congress on the activities carried out 
under this section which shall--
            (1) summarize the distribution of funds authorized for 
        grants under this section and the expenditure of such funds;
            (2) summarize the scope and content of the public education 
        outreach campaigns and assistance carried out under this 
        section;
            (3) summarize findings from the reports containing the 
        evaluations from subsection (h)(2); and
            (4) make recommendations for legislative or administrative 
        action, as the Commission determines appropriate.
    (k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this section for 
fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010.

SEC. 6. MODIFICATION OF THE DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER BOX PROGRAM.

    Section 3005(c) of the Digital Television Transition and Public 
Safety Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171; 120 Stat. 23) is amended--
            (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
            ``(1) Applications.--
                    ``(A) Procurement of coupons.--
                            ``(i) Submission of application.--Not later 
                        than December 31, 2007, the Assistant Secretary 
                        shall by regulation develop and produce a 
                        standard application that each household shall 
                        submit to the Assistant Secretary between 
                        January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, inclusive, 
                        in order to obtain a coupon that can be applied 
                        toward the purchase of a digital-to-analog 
                        converter box.
                            ``(ii) Requirement for applications.--The 
                        application developed under clause (i) shall--
                                    ``(I) be uniform in style and form 
                                regardless of the medium through which 
                                it is available, including for printed 
                                applications, application available by 
                                e-mail, or available on the website of 
                                the Assistant Secretary or of the 
                                Federal Communications Commission;
                                    ``(II) require each household to 
                                submit--
                                            ``(aa) the name, address, 
                                        phone number, and e-mail 
                                        address of the applicant;
                                            ``(bb) the number of 
                                        coupons that the household 
                                        seeks to obtain;
                                            ``(cc) a certification of 
                                        whether the household 
                                        receives--

                                                    ``(AA) only over-
                                                the-air broadcast 
                                                programming; or

                                                    ``(BB) cable or 
                                                satellite service and 
                                                over-the-air broadcast 
                                                programming;

                                    ``(III) inform households about--
                                            ``(aa) the transition from 
                                        analog to digital television, 
                                        including information on the--

                                                    ``(AA) digital-to-
                                                analog converter box 
                                                coupon program; and

                                                    ``(BB) important 
                                                associated deadlines; 
                                                and

                                            ``(bb) the various options 
                                        and alternatives that 
                                        households may utilize to 
                                        ensure reception of a digital 
                                        signal, including that if the 
                                        household--

                                                    ``(AA) has an 
                                                analog television set 
                                                and receives only over-
                                                the-air broadcast 
                                                programming that a 
                                                digital-to-analog 
                                                converter box is 
                                                required;

                                                    ``(BB) has a 
                                                digital television set 
                                                and receives only over-
                                                the-air broadcast 
                                                programming that a 
                                                digital-to-analog 
                                                converter box is not 
                                                required; and

                                                    ``(CC) has either 
                                                an analog or digital 
                                                television set and 
                                                receives cable or 
                                                satellite service that 
                                                a digital-to-analog 
                                                converter box is not 
                                                required.

                            ``(iii) Shipping of coupons.--The Assistant 
                        Secretary shall ensure that each household that 
                        submits an application for a coupon under this 
                        subparagraph receives such coupon via the 
                        United States Postal Service.
                            ``(iv) Duration of coupons.--All coupons 
                        shall expire 4 months after issuance.
                            ``(v) Rule of construction.--For purposes 
                        of this paragraph, the term `household' shall 
                        include residents of nursing homes and assisted 
                        living facilities.'';
            (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
            ``(2) Distribution of coupons.--
                    ``(A) Priority consideration for ota households.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The Assistant Secretary 
                        shall for the period beginning January 1, 2008, 
                        and ending March 31, 2009, distribute coupons 
                        only to households that have certified on their 
                        coupon application submitted under paragraph 
                        (1) that such household receives only over-the-
                        air broadcast programming.
                            ``(ii) Cap on coupons.--The total maximum 
                        value of all the coupons distributed under 
                        clause (i) shall not exceed $990,000,000.
                    ``(B) Other households.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The Assistant Secretary 
                        shall for the period beginning July 1, 2008, or 
                        the period beginning on the date that the total 
                        maximum value established under subparagraph 
                        (A)(ii) is reached, whichever is earlier, and 
                        ending March 31, 2009, distribute coupons to 
                        any household that has submitted a coupon 
                        application under paragraph (1).
                            ``(ii) Cap on coupons.--The total maximum 
                        value of all the coupons distributed under 
                        clause (i) shall not exceed $510,000,000.
                    ``(C) Limitation.--The Assistant Secretary shall 
                ensure that--
                            ``(i) no household that receives only over-
                        the-air broadcast programming receives more 
                        than 2 coupons; and
                            ``(ii) no other household receives more 
                        than 1 coupon.
                    ``(D) Required disclosures.--The Assistant 
                Secretary shall include along with any coupon 
                distributed pursuant to this subsection a list of--
                            ``(i) certified retailers of digital-to-
                        analog converter boxes by zip code and area 
                        code, including each retailer's phone number 
                        and address;
                            ``(ii) at least 2 national certified 
                        retailers or mail order companies and the 1-800 
                        numbers of such retailers or companies so that 
                        households may order digital-to-analog 
                        converter boxes over the phone; and
                            ``(iii) digital-to-analog converter boxes 
                        that are eligible to be purchased with a 
                        coupon.
                    ``(E) Prohibition on resale of coupons.--No person, 
                including any retailer or manufacturer, may sell or 
                offer to sell a coupon distributed under this section 
                for any monetary amount.''.

SEC. 7. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Report by the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until March 31, 2009, the 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration shall report 
to Congress on the following:
            (1) Consumer education efforts.--The effectiveness of its 
        outreach efforts to inform the public about the transition from 
        analog to digital television, including a summary of any 
        materials distributed, surveys and focus groups conducted, and 
        any other efforts targeted at high-risk market segments, such 
        as low-income individuals, the elderly, or individuals located 
        in rural communities. The ongoing efforts and coordination of 
        the Administration with industry groups (such as broadcasters, 
        retailers, and manufacturers), other Federal agencies, 
        nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations.
            (2) Converter box manufacturing.--With respect to the 
        digital-to-analog converter box program required under section 
        3005 of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act 
        of 2005 (Public Law 109-171; 120 Stat. 23):
                    (A) The participation level of manufacturers in 
                such program.
                    (B) The number of digital-to-analog converter box 
                models manufactured pursuant to such program.
                    (C) The number of digital-to-analog converter boxes 
                shipped in the prior 90 days.
                    (D) The performance testing results of each 
                digital-to-analog converter box model manufactured 
                pursuant to such program.
                    (E) The number of digital-to-analog converter boxes 
                in the marketplace that are--
                            (i) compliant with the requirements under 
                        such program; and
                            (ii) noncompliant with the requirements 
                        under such program.
            (3) Converter box retailing.--With respect to retailers:
                    (A) The compliance rates of retailers with the 
                labeling requirements under section 344(c) of the 
                Communications Act of 1934.
                    (B) The supply levels of retailers of digital-to-
                analog converter boxes, such levels shall be 
                categorized on a--
                            (i) State by State level; and
                            (ii) regional level.
                    (C) The price charged by such retailers for 
                digital-to-analog converter boxes, and the sales 
                efforts of such retailers with respect to such boxes.
                    (D) The efforts of retailers on training and 
                educating their sales force regarding the transition 
                from analog to digital television.
            (4) Coupon administration.--With respect to the digital-to-
        analog converter box coupon program established under section 
        3005(c) of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety 
        Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171; 120 Stat. 23):
                    (A) The number of coupons issued, categorized 
                nationally, by State, and by 5 digit zip code.
                    (B) The number of coupons redeemed by households, 
                categorized nationally, by State, and by 5 digit zip 
                code.
                    (C) The efforts of the Administration and the 
                Assistant Secretary of Communications and Information 
                to inform retailers about the coupon program and the 
                process needed to redeem coupons, categorized by 5 
                digit zip code.
                    (D) The number of households that have an analog 
                television set and receive only over-the-air broadcast 
                programming and that have submitted an application for 
                a coupon, categorized nationally, by State, and by 5 
                digit zip code.
                    (E) The number of households that have a digital 
                television set and receive only over-the-air broadcast 
                programming and that have submitted an application for 
                a coupon, categorized nationally, by State, and by 5 
                digit zip code.
                    (F) The number of households that have either an 
                analog or digital television set and receive cable or 
                satellite service and that have submitted an 
                application for a coupon, categorized nationally, by 
                State, and by 5 digit zip code.
                    (G) The efforts of the Administration to utilize 
                the household demographics collected under 
                subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F) to determine an 
                appropriate strategy for the distribution of print 
                applications for coupons, such as distribution at post-
                offices, departments of motor vehicles, and community 
                centers.
                    (H) The average time of redemption of a coupon, 
                measured from the date of issuance of the coupon to a 
                household to the date of redemption of that coupon at a 
                certified retailer of digital-to-analog converter 
                boxes.
                    (I) The top 10 retailers, by volume, where coupons 
                are redeemed.
                    (J) The results of quarterly surveys conducted 
                between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, on consumer 
                satisfaction with the coupon program, including results 
                related to ease of redemption, availability of digital-
                to-analog converter box, and the certified retailer's 
                knowledge of the impending transition from analog to 
                digital television.
    (b) Report by the FCC.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until March 31, 
2009, the Federal Communications Commission shall report to Congress 
on--
            (1) the effectiveness of its outreach efforts to inform the 
        public about the transition from analog to digital television, 
        including a summary of any materials distributed, surveys and 
        focus groups conducted, and any other efforts targeted at high-
        risk market segments, such as low-income individuals, the 
        elderly, or individuals located in rural communities;
            (2) the ongoing efforts and coordination of the Commission 
        with industry groups (such as broadcasters, retailers, and 
        manufacturers), other Federal agencies, States, nonprofit 
        organizations, and community-based organizations; and
            (3) the ongoing efforts of the Commission to--
                    (A) prevent fraud and abuse with respect to the 
                transition from analog to digital television;
                    (B) educate high-risk market segments, such as low-
                income individuals, the elderly, or individuals located 
                in rural communities, on how to--
                            (i) avoid potential fraudulent schemes 
                        related to the digital television transition; 
                        and
                            (ii) identify occurrences of fraud;
                    (C) prosecute those individuals accused of 
                participating in fraudulent schemes related to the 
                digital television transition; and
                    (D) monitor the compliance of retailers and 
                manufacturers with the labeling requirements under 
                section 344(c) of the Communications Act of 1934.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration and the Federal Communications Commission such sums as 
are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
                                 <all>