S. 88 — what changed

Findings— Congress finds that—

the Internet of Things refers to the growing number of connected and interconnected devices;

the Internet of Things has the potential to generate trillions of dollars in new economic activity around the world;

businesses across the United States can develop new services and products, improve operations, simplify logistics, cut costs, and pass savings on to consumers by utilizing the Internet of Things and related innovations;

the United States leads the world in the development of technologies that support the Internet and the United States technology sector is well-positioned to lead in the development of technologies for the Internet of Things;

the United States Government can implement this technology to better deliver services to the public; and

Sense of Congress— It is the sense of Congress that policies governing the Internet of Things should maximize the potential and development of the Internet of Things to benefit all stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and consumers.

Duties— The working group shall—

consider policies or programs that encourage and improve coordination among Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the Internet of Things;

consider any findings or recommendations made by the steering committee and, where appropriate, act to implement those recommendations; and

examine—

how Federal agencies can benefit from utilizing the Internet of Things;

the preparedness and ability of Federal agencies to adopt Internet of Things technology in the future; and

any additional security measures that Federal agencies may need to take to—

enhance the resiliency of Federal systems against cyber threats to the Internet of Things.

Agency representatives— In convening the working group under subsection (a), the Secretary shall have discretion to appoint representatives and shall specifically consider seeking representation from—

the Department of Commerce, including—

the National Telecommunications and Information Administration;

the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;

the Department of Transportation;

the Department of Homeland Security;

the Office of Management and Budget;

the National Science Foundation;

the Commission;

the Federal Trade Commission;

Nongovernmental stakeholders— The working group shall consult with nongovernmental stakeholders, including—

the steering committee;

information and communications technology manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and vendors;

small, medium, and large businesses;

think tanks and academia;

rural stakeholders; and

other stakeholders with relevant expertise, as determined by the Secretary.

Establishment— There is established within the Department of Commerce a steering committee to advise the working group.

whether adequate spectrum is available to support the growing Internet of Things and what legal or regulatory barriers may exist to providing any spectrum needed in the future;

policies or programs that—

promote or are related to the privacy of individuals who use or are affected by the Internet of Things;

may protect users of the Internet of Things; and

may encourage coordination among Federal agencies with jurisdiction over the Internet of Things;

the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of Internet of Things technology by small businesses; and

any international proceeding, international negotiation, or other international matter affecting the Internet of Things to which the United States is or should be a party.

Membership— The Secretary shall appoint to the steering committee members representing a wide range of stakeholders outside of the Federal Government with expertise relating to the Internet of Things, including—

information and communications technology manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and vendors;

small, medium, and large businesses;

think tanks and academia;

nonprofit organizations and consumer groups;

rural stakeholders; and

other stakeholders with relevant expertise, as determined by the Secretary.

Report— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the steering committee shall submit to the working group a report that includes any findings or recommendations of the steering committee.

In general— The steering committee shall set the agenda of the steering committee in carrying out the duties of the steering committee under paragraph (2).

Report— The steering committee shall ensure that the report submitted under paragraph (4) is the result of the independent judgment of the steering committee.

Termination— The steering committee shall terminate on the date on which the working group submits the report under subsection (f) unless, on or before that date, the Secretary files a new charter for the steering committee under section 9(c) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).

the findings and recommendations of the working group with respect to the duties of the working group under subsection (b);

the report submitted by the steering committee under subsection (e)(4), as the report was received by the working group;

an accounting of any progress made by Federal agencies to implement recommendations made by the working group or the steering committee.

In general— The Commission, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, shall issue a notice of inquiry seeking public comment on the current, as of the date of enactment of this Act, and future spectrum needs of the Internet of Things.

Requirements— In issuing the notice of inquiry under subsection (a), the Commission shall seek comments that consider and evaluate—

whether adequate spectrum is available to support the growing Internet of Things;

what regulatory barriers may exist to providing any needed spectrum for the Internet of Things; and

what the role of licensed and unlicensed spectrum is and will be in the growth of the Internet of Things.