House BillHR 3212Science, Technology, Communications
LAST ACRE Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 6· LAST ACTION MAY 6
READING
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Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because access to high-speed internet is no longer just a convenience; it's essential for modern farming. Farmers increasingly rely on connected devices, sensors, and data analytics—collectively known as precision agriculture—to monitor crops, manage livestock, optimize water use, and apply fertilizers precisely. Without reliable internet, many rural farms are left behind, unable to adopt these technologies that can save money, increase yields, and reduce environmental impact.
If this bill becomes law, it could help close the 'digital divide' for agricultural communities, making farming more competitive and sustainable. It could also boost economic development in rural areas by improving infrastructure. If it doesn't pass, many agricultural producers would continue to struggle with slow or nonexistent internet, hindering their ability to modernize and compete in a tech-driven agricultural landscape.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes the 'Last Acre Program' under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
This creates a dedicated federal program specifically focused on extending high-speed internet to agricultural areas.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes competitive grants and loans to internet providers to deliver 'qualifying connectivity' to unserved and underserved agricultural land.
This provides the financial mechanism to incentivize internet providers to build infrastructure in rural farm areas where it might not otherwise be profitable.
PROVISION 03
Defines 'qualifying connectivity' as internet service with speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, supporting modern farm technologies.
This sets a clear, high standard for the internet service that must be provided, ensuring it's sufficient for current and future precision agriculture needs.
PROVISION 04
Specifies 'covered producers' as persons or entities engaged in agriculture, including agricultural research centers, with a focus on 'unserved' and 'underserved' land.
This clarifies who the program is intended to benefit and ensures resources are directed to areas most in need of improved internet access.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because access to high-speed internet is no longer just a convenience; it's essential for modern farming. Farmers increasingly rely on connected devices, sensors, and data analytics—collectively known as precision agriculture—to monitor crops, manage livestock, optimize water use, and apply fertilizers precisely. Without reliable internet, many rural farms are left behind, unable to adopt these technologies that can save money, increase yields, and reduce environmental impact.
If this bill becomes law, it could help close the 'digital divide' for agricultural communities, making farming more competitive and sustainable. It could also boost economic development in rural areas by improving infrastructure. If it doesn't pass, many agricultural producers would continue to struggle with slow or nonexistent internet, hindering their ability to modernize and compete in a tech-driven agricultural landscape.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes the 'Last Acre Program' under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
This creates a dedicated federal program specifically focused on extending high-speed internet to agricultural areas.
high
Authorizes competitive grants and loans to internet providers to deliver 'qualifying connectivity' to unserved and underserved agricultural land.
This provides the financial mechanism to incentivize internet providers to build infrastructure in rural farm areas where it might not otherwise be profitable.
med
Defines 'qualifying connectivity' as internet service with speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, supporting modern farm technologies.
This sets a clear, high standard for the internet service that must be provided, ensuring it's sufficient for current and future precision agriculture needs.
med
Specifies 'covered producers' as persons or entities engaged in agriculture, including agricultural research centers, with a focus on 'unserved' and 'underserved' land.
This clarifies who the program is intended to benefit and ensures resources are directed to areas most in need of improved internet access.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment.
The Secretary must establish the 'Last Acre Program'.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Precision agriculture
Using technology like sensors, GPS, and data analysis to manage farms more precisely, optimizing resources like water, fertilizer, and pesticides to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Broadband internet access service
High-speed internet connection that allows for fast downloading and uploading of data, typically much faster than older dial-up services.
Unserved land
Agricultural land that lacks access to internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps for downloading and 3 Mbps for uploading.
Underserved land
Agricultural land that lacks access to internet speeds of at least 100 Mbps for downloading and 20 Mbps for uploading, meaning it has some internet but not fast enough for modern needs.
Covered producer
A person or company directly involved in growing crops or raising livestock on land with poor internet service, where farming makes up most of their income. It also includes agricultural research centers.
Qualifying connectivity
The specific type of high-speed internet service required by this program, capable of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds, and designed to support farm technologies.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAY 6, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 6, 25
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The final stretch of internet infrastructure that connects homes, businesses, or, in this case, farms, to the main high-speed internet network.
Rural Electrification Act of 1936
A historic law originally passed to bring electricity to rural areas across the United States, which this bill proposes to amend to also address rural internet access.
