What's happening
This bill clarifies that municipalities in the Long Island Power Authority service area retain their rights to establish, own, and operate public utility services.
Why it matters
Ensures local control. By explicitly stating that municipalities in the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) area retain their rights, the bill protects local governments' ability to make decisions about public utility services, rather than ceding all authority to LIPA or the state.
Preserves options for public utilities. Municipalities keep the legal option to establish, own, or operate their own public utilities (such as electricity, water, or other services), which could be important if communities seek alternatives to existing providers for reasons like reliability, rates, or sustainability.
Limits preemption concerns. The bill addresses potential legal ambiguities, making it clear that nothing in LIPA’s governing law should be interpreted as overriding municipal rights granted under other New York State laws (specifically, article fourteen-A of the general municipal law).
Potential to encourage innovation and competition. By affirming municipal authority, the legislation could foster new public utility models, encourage local innovation, and potentially introduce competition or alternative approaches to utility management within the LIPA service area.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Expand Local Utility Powers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
4 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Let Towns Run Utilities
In Senate Committee · Energy And Telecommunications · Sponsor Kenneth P. LaValle
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
S. 3009 A. 2351
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
SENATE - ASSEMBLY
January 18, 2017
IN SENATE -- Introduced by Sen. LAVALLE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications
IN ASSEMBLY -- Introduced by M. of A. THIELE, RAIA, GRAF, GARBARINO, RA -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. McKEVITT -- read once and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the powers granted to municipal corporations within the Long Island Power Authority service area regarding the establishment, ownership and operation of public utility services
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1020-h of the public authorities law, as added by chapter 517 of the laws of 1986, is amended by adding a new subdivision 12 to read as follows:
12. Nothing in this title shall be construed as preempting, or otherwise limiting, the rights of any municipality located in whole or in part in the service area from exercising any power or authority granted to it by article fourteen-A of the general municipal law.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07153-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.