What's happening
This bill authorizes temporary low-cost electric power contracts for Broadway and off-Broadway theaters, expiring after two years.
Why it matters
Helps stabilize theater operations during a vulnerable period. By offering low-cost electric power, the bill aims to ease a major operational expense for Broadway and off-Broadway theaters, which are often financially strained, especially during economic downturns or periods of lower ticket sales.
Removes employment-related barriers for theaters. The legislation specifically allows theaters to receive discounted power even if they cannot guarantee job creation or retention, recognizing the unique and fluctuating employment patterns in the performing arts industry.
Encourages innovative energy use in the arts sector. The bill enables access to power from a variety of sources and programs, including new technology demonstration projects, potentially fostering greener or more efficient energy solutions within the theater community.
Time-limited support with ongoing impact. While the authorization for new contracts lasts only two years, contracts themselves may continue for two years after the program ends, providing a buffer for theaters to adjust before returning to standard energy rates.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Cheaper Power for Theaters
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
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.
Cut Broadway Theater Power Bills
In Assembly Committee · Corporations, Authorities And Commissions · Sponsor Linda Rosenthal
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2437
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 13, 2017
Introduced by Sens. PARKER, COMRIE, PERKINS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to providing electrical power to Broadway and off-Broadway theaters; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1005 of the public authorities law is amended by adding a new undesignated paragraph to read as follows:
Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of law, the authority is authorized to enter into contracts prior to July first, two thousand nineteen, which contracts may expire not later than June thirtieth, two thousand twenty, to provide low-cost electric power to Broadway, off- Broadway, or off-off-Broadway theaters. For this purpose, the authority is authorized to provide any power available from any source and under any program, including, without limitation, any new technology demonstration project or the power for jobs program; provided, however, that in considering any allocation under the power for jobs program, no customer shall be denied such allocation on the basis that such customer is unable to make commitments as to the number of jobs to be created or maintained by such allocation. For the purposes of this paragraph: (a) the term "Broadway theater", "off-Broadway theater", or "off-off-Broadway theater" shall mean a building or part of a building with one or more performance areas and one or more audience seating areas and used for the presentation of dramatic or musical theater performances and commonly referred to either as a "Broadway theater", "off-Broadway theater", or "off-off-Broadway theater"; and (b) the term "customer" shall mean the person billed by the electrical utility for electric power consumed in connection with a dramatic or musical theater performance in a Broadway theater, off-Broadway theater, or off-off-Broadway theater.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04952-01-7
S. 2437 2
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed repealed twenty-four months after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that any contract entered into under the authority of this act may continue twenty-four months after this act shall be deemed repealed.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to providing electrical power to Broadway and off-Broadway theaters; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill would authorize the Power Authority of the State of New York (PASNY) to provide low-cost electricity to Broadway and off-Broadway theaters.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 would amend section 1005 of the Public Authorities Law to authorize PASNY to provide low-cost electricity to Broadway and off Broadway theaters.
Section 2 would establish a sunset date of June 30, 2019, and provide that the contracts for selling such electricity could run until June 30, 2020.
Effects of present law which this bill would alter
Existing law would not be changed except for the addition of the authority granted by this bill.
Justification
The Broadway and Off-Broadway theater is one of the crowning glories of New York city's cultural life. Like every other aspect of New York City life, the theater has suffered from the aftermath of the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001. This bill would provide some measure of support for the New York stage that gave solace and entertainment to the City, State and region at a time when it was sorely needed.
Prior legislative history
2015-16: S.1089A/A.350A - Amend and Recommit to Energy and Telecom/Corporations 2013-14: S.3238A/A.665A - Amend and Recommit to Energy and Telecom/Corporations 2011-12: S.1087A/A.1659A - Energy and Telecom/Corporations 2009-10: S.5123A/A.5062A - Energy and Telecom/Corporations 2007-08: A.6623 2005-06: S.2060A/A.2108 2003-04: S.4596/A.1311 2002-03: S.7770/A.11660
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
Minimal fiscal implications.
Effective date
Immediately. Sunsets on June 30, 2019, but contract may run until June 30, 2020.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.