HR 23 - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-2598
05/06
HOUSE RESOLUTION 23
A RESOLUTION affirming the importance of digital literacy and access for older Americans.
SPONSORS: Rep. Miller, Straf. 21; Rep. Bridle, Rock. 29; Rep. Colby, Merr. 9; Rep. Mandelbaum, Rock. 21
COMMITTEE: State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
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ANALYSIS
This resolution affirms the importance of digital literacy and access for older Americans and encourages the continuation and expansion of programs designed to address the technology needs of seniors.
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26-2598
05/06
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
A RESOLUTION affirming the importance of digital literacy and access for older Americans.
Whereas, the ability to use digital devices and the Internet has become essential for accessing health care, public services, financial services, and social connection in modern American life; and
Whereas, tens of millions of older Americans face a “digital divide,” with recent surveys showing that about 25 percent of seniors, ages 65 and older, did not use the Internet as of 2021 and around 42 percent lacked broadband access at home as of 2020, resulting in reduced access to vital resources; and
Whereas, older adults without digital access or skills are disproportionately affected by isolation and have difficulty accessing telehealth and other remote services, while those with digital support were better able to maintain health and social ties; and
Whereas, digital literacy training programs for older adults - including community-based workshops, intergenerational mentoring programs like TechPals and Cyber-Seniors, and library and senior center initiatives - have demonstrated success in increasing seniors’ technology adoption and confidence, thereby improving their quality of life and independence; and
Whereas, improving digital skills among older Americans can help protect them from cybercrime, given that in 2023 alone, Americans over 60 suffered an estimated $3.4 billion in losses to Internet fraud, and education on online safety can significantly reduce susceptibility to scams targeting seniors; and
Whereas, existing federal efforts such as the Digital Equity Act’s state grants, the Affordable Connectivity Program, and programs under the Older Americans Act provide a foundation but lack dedicated, coordinated focus on older adult digital inclusion, leaving significant gaps in outreach, training, and support; and
Whereas, bipartisan federal legislation of 2021 recognized the importance of digital equity and included older Americans as a covered population, and it is the sense of Congress that further action is needed to fulfill the promise of digital equity for seniors; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives:
I. That the New Hampshire house of representatives:
(a) Affirms that promoting digital literacy and inclusion for older adults is a national priority critical to seniors’ health, well-being, and civic engagement, and is in the public interest;
(b) Supports the development of a comprehensive strategy to close the digital divide for seniors, which may include expanding affordable Internet access, providing devices, and funding community-based digital literacy training programs tailored to older adults;
(c) Encourages state agencies, in partnership local stakeholders, to use existing programs and infrastructure to coordinate and scale up senior-focused digital literacy initiatives, ensuring that resources reach senior centers, libraries, adult education programs, and nonprofit organizations working with older populations;
(d) Recommends the establishment of grant programs and pilot projects, through the department of health and human services bureau of adult and aging care services or other relevant agencies, to support innovative models of senior digital training, including intergenerational volunteer tech support, “digital navigator” services supporting older adults, and collaborations with public libraries and community colleges, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes and sharing of best practices;
(e) Urges the continuation and adequate funding of broadband affordability programs, including the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program, and outreach efforts to increase enrollment by eligible low-income older adults, and to couple these efforts with training so that having Internet access translates into meaningful Internet use;
(f) Calls upon public and private sector entities to form partnerships to address the technology needs of seniors, including device refurbishment and donation programs, for example, providing simplified tablets or laptops to seniors, corporate volunteerism to expand the pool of trainers and mentors, and integration of digital skills support into health care, banking, and other services frequently used by older Americans; and
(g) Commits to monitor progress in reducing the digital divide among older adults, including Internet usage, digital skill levels, and program outcomes for seniors, so that future legislative or funding needs in this domain are well-informed.
II. That a copy of this resolution shall be transmitted by the house clerk to the President of the United States; the members of the New Hampshire congressional delegation; and the Honorable Kelly Ayotte, governor, state of New Hampshire, as well as stakeholder organizations, such as AARP and the American Library Association, in order to enlist their support and collaborative action in achieving digital equity for older Americans.
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 23, 2026 | House | Hearing |
Jan. 14, 2026: Public Hearing: 01/23/2026 10:30 am GP 228
Nov. 7, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs