Provides for real property tax exemptions for last mile broadband infrastructure constructed, altered, installed or improved in an area designated a broadband opportunity area.
This bill requires all voting systems in New York to use durable paper ballots that withstand recounts without damage and retain voter marks for the full retention period. It mandates that every polling place must offer voters either a hand-marked paper ballot or a nontabulating ballot marking device (which doesn’t record votes electronically). The bill explicitly bans voting machines with wireless capabilities, internet connectivity, or encoded marks like QR/barcodes that require special devices to read. These provisions ensure voter-verifiable paper records remain the standard for audits and recounts.
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.
This bill requires owners and operators of large outdoor cell towers (called "macro cell tower sites") in New York to install backup power systems capable of maintaining service for at least 72 hours during power outages. It applies to new installations and replacements of existing backup systems, but does not require updates to towers already equipped with backup power before the law takes effect. The backup systems must use renewable energy, fuel cells, or energy storage, excluding rooftop, small cell, or indoor antenna systems. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Enacts the "cellular mapping act"; requires the public service commission to review cellular services within the state; requires the expansion of cellular services.
This bill limits robocalls to New York residents by banning most unsolicited automated calls (using prerecorded messages or auto-dialers) without prior consent. It requires all telephone service providers in New York to offer free call-blocking technology that identifies and stops unwanted robocalls. Exceptions include emergency calls, calls with explicit consent, and certain labor organization communications. The law aims to reduce nuisance calls while mandating free protection for residents through telecom providers.
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.
