This bill exempts municipal fiber optic broadband infrastructure in Erie County from real property taxes, levies, and assessments. It directly affects Erie County municipal broadband companies (like local authorities or municipalities building fiber networks) and their owned cable infrastructure, whether installed on public or private property. Key provisions require these companies to prioritize contractors with strong workplace safety practices, submit workforce plans detailing local hiring and safety standards, and comply with prevailing wage requirements. The exemption applies immediately to assessments for taxable status dates on or after the bill's effective date.
This bill adds broadband access as a scoring factor in New York State's low-income housing tax credit program. It requires housing projects applying for tax credits to commit to using end-to-end fiber-optic broadband infrastructure to receive preference during application evaluation. The change directly affects developers seeking low-income housing tax credits by making fiber broadband access a key consideration in project rankings. The policy update modifies how projects are scored but does not mandate broadband installation, only prioritizing applications that commit to it.
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.
Relates to enacting the "N.Y. state digital equity plan act"; requires the division of broadband access to develop a state digital equity plan to increase broadband access to underserved populations by January 1, 2027.
This bill establishes a new statewide program allowing local communities in New York to form regional partnerships to design their own broadband expansion plans, replacing the previous state-managed approach. It directly affects residents in areas with inadequate internet speeds (under 25 Mbps) and local governments like counties, cities, and towns. The program provides state funding for infrastructure projects like fiber networks or mobile hotspots, with local groups selecting internet service providers. The state will review plans to ensure full coverage for all residents in each region, prioritizing access over speed or reliability.
This bill adds home internet service payments to the list of basic living costs covered by New York's public assistance program. It directly affects low-income households eligible for social services by including internet costs in the standard of need calculations used to determine aid amounts. The key mechanism requires social services officials to provide monthly assistance for home internet service, alongside existing covered expenses like shelter and heating. This change expands existing support without creating new programs, integrating internet access into current benefit structures for qualifying families.
Provides regulatory control of Internet service providers by the public service commission; requires Internet neutrality; relates to the placement of equipment on utility poles.
This bill requires New York broadband providers to offer high-speed internet service at $5 per month to eligible low-income households. It directly affects households qualifying for programs like SNAP (food benefits), Medicaid, free/reduced school lunches, or senior/disability rent exemptions. Providers must offer minimum speeds of 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload, include all fees in the $5 price, and advertise the program prominently. They must also submit annual reports to the state on enrollment, eligibility verification, and service details to ensure compliance.
Requires that state contracts only be with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality; establishes a revolving fund for the establishment of municipal internet service providers; appropriates $250 million therefor.
Provides WiFi service and internet access to all individuals residing in temporary housing; relates to funding for internet service under the ConnectAll digital equity grant program.
