Technology (Broadband Access)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5065: 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 provider fees for consumer protection, aligning with indicators to advance affordable access and prevent price gouging.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1714: 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 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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts municipal broadband infrastructure from property taxes/assessments, providing direct tax relief for public infrastructure funding under Budget & Taxes.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires municipal broadband companies to prioritize contractors with strong workplace safety practices, advancing safety standards in employment.80% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts municipal fiber broadband infrastructure from taxes, directly promoting expanded internet access and infrastructure development in Erie County.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety Broadband Access

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5541: Includes broadband access in the scoring and ranking criteria of the New York State low-income housing tax credit program

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAdds broadband access as scoring factor in NY low-income housing tax credit program, enhancing infrastructure requirements for affordable housing developments.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates fiber broadband infrastructure for low-income housing tax credits, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity in housing projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Housing Finance Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5032: 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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly expands broadband access in underserved areas (below 100 Mbps) via state/federal funds, guaranteeing universal coverage through locally-driven regional plans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 1336: Relates to enacting the "N.Y. state digital equity plan act"

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands broadband access to underserved populations, directly advancing digital equity under technology policy as per bill's explicit mandate.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2378: Enacts the regional broadband expansion and access program act

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes statewide broadband funding program targeting underserved areas with <25 Mbps access, directly expanding internet infrastructure and digital access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2542: Provides public assistance for home internet service

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands internet access for low-income households by including home internet in public assistance benefits, directly promoting digital equity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 30, 2025

S 3860: Provides regulatory control of Internet service providers by the public service commission, requires Internet neutrality and relates to the placement of equipment on utility poles

Provides regulatory control of Internet service providers by the public service commission; requires Internet neutrality; relates to the placement of equipment on utility poles.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires internet neutrality, mandating equal treatment of internet traffic to protect open access and consumer rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 190: Requires broadband providers to offer high speed broadband service to certain low-income consumers

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationTargets households with school-aged children via free/reduced lunch eligibility, enabling digital access for homework and online learning resources.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates affordable high-speed broadband access for low-income households, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2524: Relates to state contracts being only with internet service providers compliant with net neutrality and establishes a revolving fund for the establishment of municipal internet service providers; appropriation

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $250 million for municipal ISP fund, directly allocating state budget resources to establish public internet services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires net neutrality compliance for state ISP contracts and funds municipal broadband expansion, directly advancing open internet access and consumer protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds State Budget Broadband Access Telecommunications

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