Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program, 56266-56267 [2021-22101]

Download as PDF 56266 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 193 / Friday, October 8, 2021 / Notices CONTACT on or before noon on the date set in the DATES section. Authority: 5 U.S.C. Appendix 2 et seq. and 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. Dated: September 30, 2021. Edward Messina, Director, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. 2021–22056 Filed 10–7–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [GN Docket No. 17–208; FR ID 52202] Meeting of the Communications Equity and Diversity Council Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces the first meeting of the Federal Communications Commission’s (Commission) rechartered Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC). The charter for the CEDC has been renewed for a two-year period beginning June 29, 2021. SUMMARY: Wednesday, November 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: The CEDC meeting will be available to the public for viewing via the internet at https://www.fcc.gov/live. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jamila Bess Johnson, Designated Federal Officer (DFO) of the CEDC, (202) 418– 2608, Jamila-Bess.Johnson@fcc.gov; Rashann Duvall, Co-Deputy DFO of the CEDC, (202) 418–1438, Rashann.Duvall@fcc.gov; or, Keyla Hernandez-Ulloa, Co-Deputy DFO of the CEDC, (202) 418–0965, Keyla.Hernandez-Ulloa@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Proposed Agenda: The agenda for the meeting will include introducing members of the CEDC, including the Council Chair and Vice Chairs, and establishing working groups that will assist the CEDC in carrying out its work. This agenda may be modified at the discretion of the CEDC Chair and the DFO. As will be discussed at the meeting, the Council’s mission is to make recommendations to the Commission on advancing equity in the provision of and access to digital communication services and products for all people of the United States, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability. It shall provide recommendations to the Commission on how to empower people of color and jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Oct 07, 2021 Jkt 256001 others who have been historically underserved, including persons who live in rural areas, and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality, to access, leverage, and benefit from the wide range of opportunities made possible by technology, communication services and next-generation networks. The CEDC meeting is accessible to the public on the internet via live feed from the FCC’s web page at www.fcc.gov/live. Members of the public may submit any questions during the meeting to livequestions@fcc.gov. Oral statements at the meeting by parties or entities not represented on the CEDC will be permitted to the extent time permits and at the discretion of the CEDC Chair and the DFO. Members of the public may submit comments to the CEDC using the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System, ECFS, at www.fcc.gov/ecfs. Comments to the CEDC should be filed in GN Docket No. 17–208. Open captioning will be provided for this event. Other reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Requests for such accommodations should be submitted via email to fcc504@fcc.gov or by calling the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (202) 418–0432 (TTY). Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodation needed. In addition, please include a way for the Commission to contact the requester if more information is needed to fulfill the request. Please allow at least five days’ notice; last minute requests will be accepted but may not be possible to accommodate. Federal Communications Commission. Thomas Horan, Chief of Staff, Media Bureau. [FR Doc. 2021–22023 Filed 10–7–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 52487] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a new matching program. AGENCY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document announces a new computer matching program the Federal Communications SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Connecticut Department of Social Services (‘‘Department’’) (‘‘Agency’’). The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline, and the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, both of which are administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More information about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. DATES: Written comments are due on or before November 8, 2021. This computer matching program will commence on November 8, 2021, and will conclude 18 months after the effective date. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Margaret Drake, FCC, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202–418–1707 or Privacy@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific Federal assistance programs. 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 helps 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 (81 FR 33026, May 24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order), the Commission ordered USAC E:\FR\FM\08OCN1.SGM 08OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 193 / Friday, October 8, 2021 / Notices 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 Lifeline and EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Participating Agencies Connecticut Department of Social Services. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 Authority for Conducting the Matching Program The authority for the FCC’s EBBP is Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54. The authority for the FCC’s Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 CFR 54.400 through 54.423; Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, et al., Third Report and Order, Further Report and Order, and Order on Reconsideration, 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006–21, paras. 126–66 (2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order). Purpose(s) In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, 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 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Oct 07, 2021 Jkt 256001 FCC to leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants’ eligibility for EBBP. The purpose of this modified matching agreement is to verify the eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline, as well as to EBBP and other Federal programs that use qualification for Lifeline as an eligibility criterion. This new agreement will permit eligibility verification for the Lifeline program by checking an applicant’s/ subscriber’s participation in SNAP. 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 Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are currently receiving Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are individuals who enable another individual in their household to qualify for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits. Categories of Records The categories of records involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security Number, date of birth, first name, and last name. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the Connecticut Department of Social Services, which will respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the individual is enrolled in a qualifying assistance program: SNAP administered by Connecticut Department of Social Services. System(s) of Records The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the Lifeline system of records, FCC/WCB–1, Lifeline, which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 11526 (Feb. 25, 2021). The 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. Marlene Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2021–22101 Filed 10–7–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 56267 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [FR ID: 52488] Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice of a new matching program. AGENCY: 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 North Carolina Department of Health and 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 November 8, 2021. This computer matching program will commence on November 8, 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 Privacy@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Drake at 202–417–1707 or Privacy@fcc.gov. 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 helps lowincome 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 (81 FR 33026, May 24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08OCN1.SGM 08OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 193 (Friday, October 8, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56266-56267]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-22101]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[FR ID: 52487]


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 a new computer matching 
program the Federal Communications Commission (``FCC'' or 
``Commission'' or ``Agency'') and the Universal Service Administrative 
Company (USAC) will conduct with the Connecticut Department of Social 
Services (``Department'') (``Agency''). The purpose of this matching 
program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers 
of Lifeline, and the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, both of which 
are administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More 
information about these programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section below.

DATES: Written comments are due on or before November 8, 2021. This 
computer matching program will commence on November 8, 2021, and will 
conclude 18 months after the effective date.

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 202-418-1707 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for 
discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. 
Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative 
Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline 
through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such 
as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), 
Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), 
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific 
Federal assistance programs.
    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 helps 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 (81 FR 33026, May 
24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order), the Commission ordered 
USAC

[[Page 56267]]

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 Lifeline and EBBP applicants and subscribers by determining whether 
they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits 
administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Participating Agencies

    Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Authority for Conducting the Matching Program

    The authority for the FCC's EBBP is Consolidated Appropriations Act 
of 2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182; 47 CFR part 54. The 
authority for the FCC's Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 CFR 
54.400 through 54.423; Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, 
et al., Third Report and Order, Further Report and Order, and Order on 
Reconsideration, 31 FCC Rcd 3962, 4006-21, paras. 126-66 (2016) (2016 
Lifeline Modernization Order).

Purpose(s)

    In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, 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 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 modified matching agreement is to verify the 
eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline, as well as to 
EBBP and other Federal programs that use qualification for Lifeline as 
an eligibility criterion. This new agreement will permit eligibility 
verification for the Lifeline program by checking an applicant's/
subscriber's participation in SNAP. 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 Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are currently receiving 
Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; are individuals who enable another 
individual in their household to qualify for Lifeline and/or EBBP 
benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for 
Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits; or are individuals who have received 
Lifeline and/or EBBP benefits.

Categories of Records

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

System(s) of Records

    The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the 
Lifeline system of records, FCC/WCB-1, Lifeline, which was published in 
the Federal Register at 86 FR 11526 (Feb. 25, 2021).
    The 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.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-22101 Filed 10-7-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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