CA AB2626

Establishes the Bridging the Digital Divide Grant Program under the State Department of Education to provide grant funds to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools for purchasing computers, tablets, routers, and other technology to provide low-income students access to distance learning during COVID-19.

Limits individual school district grants to a maximum of $100,000 and caps total grant awards at the amount appropriated to the Public Utilities Commission for bridging the digital divide in the 2020 Budget Act.

Requires the California Research Bureau to conduct research on policies, including tax policies, that could reduce upfront costs of devices and communications technology purchased by schools to close the digital divide.

Requires the California Research Bureau to submit its research findings to the Legislature by December 31, 2026, after which the research requirement expires and is repealed.