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Legal Updates

The situation continues to change rapidly and on several fronts. Presidential Executive Orders are being challenged in court, other court cases are moving through the system, and other agency and legislative actions out of both Washington and Boston are numerous.

Federal Executive Actions

Court Cases

Congressional Action

  • Congressional Review Act Resolution against E-Rate funding of Hotspots
    • Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced a resolution to prevent E-Rate funds from being used to fund lendable hotspots for schools and libraries, which was set to begin in E-Rate funding year 25 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026).
  • FY2026 White House/Congressional Budget Proposal
    • May 2, 2025 - IMLS budget is zero in this proposal.
    • May 22, 2025 - The budget bill passed the House, 215-214.

Other Federal Updates

  • Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 created funding through the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Massachusetts Updates

  • State Budget Progress
    • The Budget passed by the House contained level funding for MBLC line items; all amendments failed to pass.
    • The Budget passed by the Senate contained level funding for MBLC line items; one amendment increased line item 9401 (State Aid to Regional Libraries) by $500,000.
    • The conferece committee of both House and Senate members will now merge the bills.