[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 16, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32036-32037]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12726]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[FR ID 32686]


Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice of a new matching program.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended 
(``Privacy Act''), this document announces the establishment of a 
computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission 
(``FCC'' or ``Commission'' or ``Agency'') and the Universal Service 
Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Minnesota 
Department of Human Services (Department). The purpose of this matching 
program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers 
of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which is administered by 
USAC under the direction of the FCC, or other Federal programs that use 
qualification for the FCC's Lifeline Program as an eligibility 
criterion. More information about this program is provided in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

DATES: Written comments are due on or before July 16, 2021. This 
computer matching program will commence on July 16, 2021 and will 
conclude 18 months after becoming effective.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, or to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202-417-1707 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program 
(EBBP) was established by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act of 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182. EBBP is a program that 
will help low-income Americans obtain discounted broadband service and 
one-time co-pay for a connected device (laptop, desktop computer or 
tablet). This program was created specifically to assist American 
families' access to broadband, which has proven to be essential for 
work, school, and healthcare during the public health emergency that 
exists as a result of COVID-19. A household may qualify for the EBBP 
benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying for 
the FCC's Lifeline program.
    In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, the Commission 
ordered USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier 
(``National Verifier''), including the National Lifeline Eligibility 
Database (LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and 
subscribers with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an 
applicant or subscriber. The Commission found that the National 
Verifier would reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, 
improve service for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and 
abuse in the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 
directs the FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' 
eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify 
the eligibility of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining 
whether they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
and Medicaid benefits administered by the Minnesota Department. Under 
FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for Lifeline 
discounts and also for EBBP benefits.

Participating Agencies

    Minnesota Department of Human Services (Department).

Authority for Conducting the Matching Program

    Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 
Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54.

Purpose(s)

    In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order (81 FR 33026, May 24, 
2016), the FCC required USAC to develop and operate the National 
Verifier to improve efficiency and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in 
the Lifeline program. The stated purpose of the National Verifier

[[Page 32037]]

is ``to increase the integrity and improve the performance of the 
Lifeline program for the benefit of a variety of Lifeline participants, 
including Lifeline providers, subscribers, states, community-based 
organizations, USAC, and the Commission.'' 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006, para. 
126. To help determine whether Lifeline applicants and subscribers are 
eligible for Lifeline benefits, the Order contemplates that the USAC-
operated LED will communicate with information systems and databases 
operated by other Federal and State agencies. Id. at 4011-2, paras. 
135-7.
    The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to 
leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' eligibility for 
EBBP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility 
of EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive 
SNAP and Medicaid benefits administered by the Minnesota Department. 
Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for 
Lifeline discounts and also for EBBP benefits.

Categories of Individuals

    The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the 
matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who 
have applied for EBBP benefits; are currently receiving benefits; are 
individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify 
for EBBP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or 
guardian for EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received EBBP 
benefits.

Categories of Records

    The categories of records involved in the matching program include, 
but are not limited to last name, first name, date of birth and the 
last four digits of the applicant's Social Security Number. The 
National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Minnesota 
Department, which will respond either ``yes'' or ``no'' that the 
individual is enrolled in an EBBP-qualifying assistance program: State 
of Minnesota's SNAP and Medicaid.

System(s) of Records

    The USAC records shared as part of this matching program reside in 
the EBBP system of records, FCC/WCB-3, Emergency Broadband Benefit 
Program, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11523, 
Feb. 25, 2021.

Federal Communications Commission.
Cecilia Sigmund,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-12726 Filed 6-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P