Don’t Block LGBTQ Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 13, 2026
Bottom line
The bill conditions federal E-rate funding on schools and libraries not blocking internet access to LGBTQ-related content, aiming to ensure equitable access to information for all students and patrons.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a new condition for elementary schools, secondary schools, and public libraries to receive discounted internet services under the Universal Service Schools and Libraries (E-rate) program. Specifically, it prohibits these institutions from blocking internet access to resources related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer topics, while still allowing the blocking of content already defined as obscene or child pornography.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill ensures that all students and library patrons, particularly LGBTQ youth, have equitable access to information and support resources online, preventing discriminatory blocking practices that can isolate vulnerable individuals. They contend it upholds the principle of universal access to information, which is central to the E-rate program's mission, and protects against censorship of legitimate educational and supportive content.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill infringes on local control over internet content filtering policies in schools and libraries, potentially exposing minors to content that some parents or communities deem inappropriate. They may contend it oversteps federal authority by dictating local content management, especially concerning sensitive topics, and could lead to conflicts with existing parental rights policies.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for a thorough review of its provisions and implications.
Section 2(a)(2)
Prohibition on Blocking LGBTQ Resources for E-rate Recipients
This provision amends Section 254(h) of the Communications Act of 1934 to add a new condition for receiving E-rate discounts. It states that elementary schools, secondary schools, or public libraries cannot receive these discounted services if they block internet access to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer resources." This applies regardless of whether the blocking is part of an internet safety policy or other means.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this ensures equitable access to information for all students and library patrons, particularly LGBTQ+ youth who may rely on online resources for support, community, and information not readily available elsewhere. It prevents discriminatory blocking practices that can be harmful and isolating.
Critics contend
Critics may argue this provision undermines local control and parental rights by preventing schools and libraries from filtering content they deem inappropriate for minors, potentially exposing children to sensitive topics without parental consent or in conflict with community values.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of universal, equitable access to information for all users, including LGBTQ+ individuals, against concerns about local control over content filtering and parental oversight of materials accessible to minors in educational and public settings.
Section 2(a)(3)
Definition of LGBTQ Resources
This provision defines "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer resources" as information related to homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender identity, transgender status, gender nonconformity, gender expansive, gender identity, sexual orientation, or related topics. Crucially, it explicitly excludes visual depictions already defined as obscene or child pornography under existing law (referencing paragraphs (5)(B)(i) or (6)(B)(i) of 47 U.S.C. 254(h)).
Section 2(b)
Conforming Amendments to the Communications Act of 1934
This section makes technical adjustments to existing cross-references within the Communications Act of 1934. Specifically, it updates references in sections 254(h)(4) and 271(g)(2) to correctly point to the redesignated paragraph (8) of section 254(h), which was previously paragraph (7). These are purely administrative changes to ensure statutory consistency.
The definition of "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer resources" explicitly states that it "does not include a visual depiction described in paragraph (5)(B)(i) or (6)(B)(i)." These referenced paragraphs in 47 U.S.C. 254(h) pertain to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.
Section 2(a)(3), new paragraph (8)(J)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid redundancy and rely on existing statutory definitions for prohibited content. It clarifies that the bill does not override existing child protection laws, which is a key reassurance for potential critics.
Case for: Proponents argue this carve-out is essential to reassure critics that the bill does not mandate access to illegal or harmful content, aligning the new policy with existing internet safety regulations and demonstrating a commitment to child protection.
Case against: Critics might argue that while explicit, the reliance on external references makes the scope less immediately clear to the average reader, potentially leading to misinterpretations about what content is protected and what can still be filtered.
Estimated impact: Ensures that the new prohibition on blocking does not inadvertently protect illegal content, thereby maintaining existing child protection standards within the E-rate program and mitigating a major potential point of opposition.