Creates a statewide wireless task force

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the establishment of the statewide wireless task force

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to provide for the formation of a statewide wireless task force to obtain recommendations as to the development, construction and operation of a statewide wireless internet and communications system.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would renumber section 3975 of the public authorities law and add a new article 11 to provide for the establishment of a statewide wireless task force.

Members of the task force would include:

1. The chairs of the Senate and Assembly standing committees on corporations, authorities and commissions who would co-chair the task force;

2. The ranking minority members of the Senate and Assembly standing committees on corporations, authorities and commissions who would co-vice-chair the task force;

3. The superintendent of the state police;

4. The director of the state office of public security;

5. The commissioner of transportation;

6. The director of the state office for technology; and

7. The chairman of the public service commission.

The purpose of the task force would be to make recommendations to the Governor and the legislature with respect to the formation of a statewide public authority to construct, finance and operate a statewide system of wireless Internet and telecommunications, accessible in a uniform manner throughout New York State, and to commence operations, on at least a limited basis, on or before January 1, 2013.

The task force shall meet upon the call of its co-chairs and shall issue and deliver a final report to the Governor and legislature, with respect to its findings and recommendations, on or before March 1, 2010.

Members of the task force shall receive no additional compensation for their service, but shall be reimbursed for all expenses actually and necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.

Justification

The development of a statewide system of wireless telecommunications and Internet across New York State is of paramount importance to making New York State the safe, economically competitive and commerce friendly state that it needs to be in the 21st century.

Wireless communications is the infrastructure of the present and future, and like the Erie Canal, New York needs to invest in such infrastructure to maintain its standard as the "Empire State". This bill would establish a statewide task force for the development of such infrastructure, seeking recommendations for the establishment of a public authority to develop, construct, finance and operate this system.

The task force would employ the highest level of expertise, and report back to the Governor and the legislature in a fast manner, so that this project could commence with foresight and quality, and on a timely and rapid basis.

Prior legislative history

2008 - S.5151 - Referred to the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.

Fiscal implications

None noted.

Effective date

This bill would take effect immediately.