S 5032 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Enacts the regional broadband expansion and access program act

This bill establishes a new state program to expand broadband access in New York by shifting from a top-down approach to a locally-driven model. It allows counties and local communities to form regional groups (regional consortia) that design their own broadband plans to cover all residents in underserved areas - defined as locations with internet speeds below 100 Mbps - using state and federal funds. Key provisions include requiring these regional plans to guarantee universal coverage, permitting local collaboration with internet service providers, and prioritizing access over speed or reliability. The program replaces the existing "New NY Broadband Program" and gives local governments direct control over how infrastructure (like fiber or mobile hotspots) is deployed in their communities.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 18, 2025 Last action Jan 7, 2026
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
upper
Feb 18, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors