Technology (Telecommunications)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3147: Enacts the wireless facility siting act

This bill establishes a statewide process for cities, towns, and villages to review applications for cell towers and wireless facilities. Municipalities without existing rules must hold public hearings within 90 days of an application and issue a decision within 62 days, while requiring applicants to notify nearby residents and pay fees for permits and technical reviews. The law sets standards for review, including considerations for historic areas, scenic locations, and aesthetics, and defines key terms like "wireless facility" to guide the process. Municipalities may adopt stricter rules than the state minimum if they choose.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes streamlined process for cell tower approvals, facilitating wireless infrastructure expansion and internet access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7601: Provides that municipal broadband service companies are authorized to provide broadband service to tenants in multi-family housing

Provides that municipal broadband service companies are authorized to provide broadband service to tenants in multi-family housing; provides that landlords shall not interfere with the installation of such service, demand or accept payment for allowing the service on the property, or discriminate in rental charges between tenants who receive broadband service and those that don't.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents landlord discrimination against tenants using municipal broadband, protecting tenant rights in housing.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly expands broadband access in multi-family housing by prohibiting landlord interference, directly advancing internet access as a technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3656: Creates the crime of unlawful possession of a radio frequency jamming device

This bill creates a new class D felony offense for knowingly possessing a device that disrupts wireless communications (like cell signals or radio), without authorization. It directly affects individuals who own or carry such jamming devices, making possession illegal even if not actively used. The key provision defines the crime broadly as possessing any device capable of interfering with wireless signals through radio noise or signals. The penalty is a felony, with no mention of exceptions or specific exemptions for authorized uses like law enforcement.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new class D felony for possessing jamming devices, expanding criminalization without exceptions. Aligns with 'oppose' indicator: increases criminalization.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates felony for possessing devices disrupting wireless communications, directly enhancing cybersecurity by preventing interference with critical communication infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3109: Establishes the "broadband deployment assistance act"

Establishes the "broadband deployment assistance act"; requires that substantially similar permits for broadband deployment be processed together at the same time and on an expedited basis; defines terms; authorizes municipalities to simultaneously process certain broadband permit applications that are substantially similar.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStreamlines broadband permit processing to accelerate deployment, directly expanding internet access infrastructure per bill's expedited permit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 10, 2025

S 6327: Provides an exemption for certain fiber optic cable assessments in Erie county

This bill exempts municipal fiber optic broadband infrastructure in Erie County from real property taxes, levies, and assessments. It directly affects local governments and municipal broadband companies operating in Erie County that own and install fiber optic networks for public broadband services. The exemption covers all such infrastructure (on public or private property) used to distribute broadband, while requiring contractors to meet workplace safety standards, submit workforce plans, and comply with prevailing wage laws. The law takes effect immediately for assessments on or after the effective date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill exempts municipal broadband infrastructure from real property taxes, providing tax relief to support public broadband services and reduce operational costs for local government projects.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts municipal fiber broadband infrastructure from taxes, reducing costs to expand public internet access infrastructure, directly advancing digital connectivity policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6446: Enacts the "wireless broadband eligible facility permitting act" to provide for uniform regulation of certain wireless facilities

This bill establishes a statewide process to streamline approvals for specific upgrades to existing wireless infrastructure, such as adding or replacing antennas on current towers or base stations. It exempts these "eligible modifications" from requiring local zoning or land use permits, which typically involve municipal review and delays. The goal is to accelerate broadband and advanced wireless service deployment by creating a uniform state-level permitting system. Local governments retain authority over other aspects of wireless facility siting under existing laws, but cannot impose additional permitting requirements for these specific upgrades.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts wireless infrastructure upgrades from local permits to accelerate broadband deployment, directly expanding internet access as a core technology policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1039: Creates the crime of unlawful possession of a radio frequency jamming device

This bill creates a new class D felony offense for knowingly possessing a device that disrupts wireless communications (like cell signals or GPS) without legal authorization. It directly affects individuals who own or carry such jamming devices, including those used to interfere with emergency services or commercial networks. The law prohibits possession of any device capable of emitting radio noise or signals that interfere with wireless communications. Violators face criminal penalties under state law, with the offense defined as unlawful possession without a right to do so.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony for jamming devices, expanding criminalization without reform focus or oversight improvements.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCriminalizes unauthorized jamming of wireless networks, directly enhancing cybersecurity by preventing interference with critical communications infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Sep 8, 2025

A 4273: Establishes the "broadband deployment assistance act"

Establishes the "broadband deployment assistance act"; requires that substantially similar permits for broadband deployment be processed together at the same time and on an expedited basis; defines terms; authorizes municipalities to simultaneously process certain broadband permit applications that are substantially similar.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expedites broadband permit processing to accelerate deployment, directly expanding internet access as a core technology policy goal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2154: Directs the public service commission to formulate a process, rules and regulations for the regulation of the charges and fees of internet and cable providers

Directs the public service commission to formulate a process, rules and regulations for the regulation of the charges and fees of internet and cable providers.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates internet/cable provider fees for consumer protection, promoting affordable access and aligning with technology policy goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5692: Enacts the "wireless broadband eligible facility permitting act" to provide for uniform regulation of certain wireless facilities

This bill, S 5692, streamlines approval for minor upgrades to existing wireless infrastructure. It exempts wireless companies from needing municipal zoning permits when making small modifications to current towers or base stations - such as adding small antennas, removing equipment, or replacing existing gear - without changing the structure's size. Municipalities must process these requests under a uniform state procedure within 60 days, eliminating local review delays for these specific changes. The bill does not affect new construction or modifications that substantially alter a facility's height or size, preserving local control over those aspects.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStreamlines wireless infrastructure upgrades, removing municipal barriers to faster broadband deployment, directly expanding internet access as a core technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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