Is an ACP Replacement Coming to Your State? A 2026 Tracker

As of July 2026, Congress still hasn't passed a federal replacement for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which ended in June 2024. But a small number of states have stepped in on their own. New Mexico's LITAP program launched July 1, 2026, offering up to $30 a month, making it the first state to build a direct ACP-style subsidy. California launched its own LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot in January 2026, also worth up to $30 a month. Oregon administers an enhanced state Lifeline benefit worth up to $24.25 a month off internet service, well above the federal minimum. New York and Connecticut have taken a different approach, requiring large providers to offer capped low-cost plans instead of a subsidy check. Several more states, including Illinois, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota, are actively working on legislation but haven't launched a program yet. This page reflects the most current information available and will be updated as more states act.

Still No Federal Replacement, But States Are Starting to Move

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in June 2024 after running out of funding, and it took the $30 monthly discount away from roughly 23 million households overnight. Congress has introduced several bills since then to bring back some version of it, but none have passed as of mid-2026.

With no movement at the federal level, a few states decided not to wait. Here's what's actually up and running, what's coming soon, and what's still just a proposal, organized so you can find your state and know exactly where things stand.

States With an Active Program Right Now

New Mexico is the first state in the country to build a direct, state-funded replacement for the ACP. The Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program (LITAP) was signed into law in February 2026 and officially launched July 1, 2026. It offers up to $30 a month toward internet or phone service, and up to $75 a month on Tribal lands, for households earning $45,000 a year or less or who already qualify for Lifeline. Unlike the ACP, LITAP is funded through a small surcharge on New Mexico phone and internet bills rather than a federal appropriation, which is part of why it's expected to be more stable long term. We cover eligibility and what to expect in more detail in our guide on New Mexico's ACP replacement.

California launched its LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot in January 2026, and it's currently the most established state-level program of its kind. It provides up to $30 a month off home internet service for households that qualify for the existing California LifeLine program, which generally means income at or below 135% of the federal poverty line, or participation in Medi-Cal, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or certain Tribal assistance programs. We break down the full application process in our California LifeLine Broadband Pilot guide.

Oregon takes a different approach, administering its own state Lifeline program that offers a bigger discount than the federal minimum. Instead of the standard $9.25 a month, qualifying Oregon households can get up to $24.25 a month off high-speed internet service (or up to $20.25 off phone service). It runs through the Oregon Public Utility Commission using the same eligibility rules as federal Lifeline, meaning income at or below 135% of the federal poverty line, or participation in a qualifying program like SNAP or Medicaid. Oregon residents on Tribal lands can qualify for an additional $25 a month on top of that.

A few other states add smaller amounts on top of federal Lifeline. Utah, for example, adds a $3.50 monthly discount automatically once you're approved for federal Lifeline, no extra application required.

States Taking a Different Approach

Not every state is offering a direct subsidy. New York's Affordable Broadband Act takes a different route: instead of a monthly discount check, it requires large internet providers operating in the state to offer capped, low-cost plans to qualifying low-income households. Connecticut has passed similar legislation requiring providers to make low-cost plans available. If you're in either state, the savings show up as a required low-price plan option from your provider rather than a separate benefit you apply for.

States Actively Working on It

Illinois, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota are a handful of states that are in the process of developing their own programs but haven't launched anything consumer-facing yet, as of mid-2026. If you're in one of these states, it's worth checking your state's broadband office or Public Utilities Commission website periodically, since legislation in this space has moved quickly once introduced. New Mexico's LITAP bill, for example, went from introduction to signed law in about 25 days.

If Your State Isn't Listed Here

Most states don't currently have a dedicated ACP-replacement program. That doesn't mean there's nothing available. It means your best options right now are the ones that exist regardless of what state you live in:

The federal Lifeline program is active in all 50 states and offers up to $9.25 a month toward phone or internet service, or up to $34.25 a month on Tribal lands. It's the one option that applies no matter where you live, and if you haven't recertified recently, our guide on Lifeline recertification walks through keeping that benefit active.

Provider-specific low-income programs exist independently of any state legislation. These vary by which providers serve your address, which is part of why checking your specific address matters more than checking general availability in your state.

State broadband infrastructure funding, often through the federal BEAD program, is also active in most states right now. It's worth knowing that this money generally funds building out broadband networks in unserved areas, not direct discounts on your monthly bill. It's a different kind of program solving a different problem.

How to Check for Updates in Your State

Programs like these move fast once they get momentum, so if your state isn't currently listed above, a few places are worth bookmarking:

• Your state's broadband office or Public Utilities Commission website, which typically lists any active or pending affordability programs

• Your state legislature's bill tracker, searching terms like "broadband affordability" or "internet subsidy"

• This page, which we'll update as new states pass legislation or launch programs

What to Do Right Now, No Matter Where You Live

Whether or not your state has stepped in, the fastest thing you can do today is find out what you already qualify for. Lifeline is available everywhere, many providers offer their own low-income plans, and stacking a state program on top of these (where one exists) can bring your bill down further than any single option on its own.

FreeConnect checks your exact address against 26+ providers, so you can see real plans and pricing rather than guessing based on general availability in your area. BBB Accredited with an A rating, we make comparing your actual options simple.

Check Availability at freeconnect.wifiapply.com to see what's available where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Congress passed a replacement for the ACP?

No. As of mid-2026, Congress has introduced several bills to restore ACP-style funding, but none have passed. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in June 2024 and has no direct federal successor.

Which states have an ACP replacement program right now?

New Mexico and California currently have the most direct state-level replacement programs. New Mexico's LITAP launched July 1, 2026, and California's LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot has been active since January 2026. Both offer up to $30 a month for eligible households. Oregon offers an enhanced state Lifeline benefit worth up to $24.25 a month off internet service, well above the federal $9.25 minimum, and Utah adds a smaller $3.50 monthly discount automatically. New York and Connecticut take a different approach, requiring providers to offer low-cost plans rather than issuing a subsidy.

What if my state doesn't have a program?

You still have options. The federal Lifeline program is available in every state and offers up to $9.25 a month (more on Tribal lands). Many providers also run their own low-income discount programs independent of any state legislation, and checking your specific address will show you what's actually available to you.

Will more states create ACP replacement programs?

It's possible. Illinois, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota are actively working on legislation as of mid-2026, though none have launched a consumer-facing program yet. Given how quickly New Mexico's program moved from proposal to law, this list could change with little notice.

How do I find out if my state has passed new legislation?

Check your state's broadband office or Public Utilities Commission website, which typically lists current and pending affordability programs. You can also search your state legislature's bill tracker for terms like "broadband affordability" or "internet subsidy."