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Who cares
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Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
4 Multi-sponsors
History
- Reported referred to ways and means
- Referred to local governments
- Reported referred to ways and means
- Referred to local governments
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:A467
Title of bill
An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to prohibiting wireless communication facilities on school property
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill would protect the health and safety of children by restricting the indiscriminate placement of wireless communication facilities on school buildings or grounds.
Summary of specific provisions
Bill § 1 adds a new § 79 to the General Municipal Law to prohibit the placement of wireless communication facilities on school buildings or grounds unless the applicant therefore can demonstrate that (a) there is a compelling reason for such placement, (b) it has a valid FCC license, (c) no suitable alternative site is available, and (d) the radiofrequen- cy level emission level will be as low as practicable.
Justification
The wireless communication industry is one of the fastest growing indus- tries in the United States. The number of cell phone users and thus cell phone transmitters (towers or antennas) has increased dramatically over the last decade. Telecommunications companies are now actively seeking properties to locate antennas on a lease or sales basis.
Communities are increasingly objecting to placement of antennas, partic- ularly close to schools or homes. Some objections are based on aesthet- ics, but others are based on the scientific literature that demonstrates that the cellular phone frequencies may be unsafe. This issue has divided many communities around the country. There is an obvious need for remedial legislation to address the state preemption issue and inde- pendent research on the human health effects of microwave radiation. Meanwhile, for precautionary reasons, chronic or excessive exposure to this type of radiation or unsafe use of wireless devices -- especially where there are children and youth involved -- should be limited.
While there are the obvious benefits of "going wireless", many parents of young children are concerned that this technology should not be wide- ly adopted in a school environment. In order to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children, until basic questions about the health and safety of wireless devices and transmitting antennas are resolved by public health officials, public policy makers must advise precaution.
Legislative history
A.3571 (2005) - referred to Assembly Local Governments Committee (2006) - advanced to 3rd reading (Cal #427)
Fiscal implications
None
Effective date
180th day after becoming law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.