What's happening
This bill requires internet service providers to offer free internet access to public libraries when applying for or renewing municipal franchises.
Why it matters
Expands access to digital resources for all residents. by ensuring every public library in municipalities with new or renewed ISP franchises will have free internet—helping to close the digital divide, especially for low-income or rural communities.
Potentially reduces operational costs for public libraries. , freeing up municipal or library funds that would otherwise go to paying for internet access, which can instead be used for other programs, books, or services.
Strengthens the role of libraries as essential community hubs. for job seekers, students, and residents needing internet for education, employment, and civic engagement, making reliable internet a guaranteed public good in these spaces.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Free Internet For Libraries
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to energy and telecommunications
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7376
IN SENATE
January 10, 2018
Introduced by Sen. RITCHIE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications
AN ACT to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring certain internet service providers to provide internet access to public libraries at no cost
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The article heading of article 11 of the public service law, as added by chapter 83 of the laws of 1995, is amended to read as follows:
PROVISIONS RELATING TO CABLE TELEVISION AND INTERNET
COMPANIES
§ 2. Section 212 of the public service law is amended by adding a new subdivision 15 to read as follows:
15. "Internet service provider" shall mean any person, business or organization qualified to do business in this state that provides individuals, corporations, or other entities with the ability to connect to the internet.
§ 3. Subdivision 3 of section 219 of the public service law is renumbered subdivision 4 and a new subdivision 3 is added to read as follows:
3. Any internet service provider that applies for or renews a franchise with a municipality shall be required to provide such internet service to a public library located within such municipality at no cost for such service.
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14025-03-8
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 service law, in relation to requiring certain internet service providers to provide internet access to public libraries at no cost
Purpose
To ease the financial burden on public libraries by requiring certain internet service providers to provide internet access to public libraries at no cost for the service.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends the heading of article 11 of the public service law to include "and internet" to denote internet service providers as included under the article.
Section 2 amends section 212 of the public service law by defining "internet service provider."
Section 3 adds a subdivision to the public service law that requires internet service providers that apply for or renew their franchise with- in a municipality to provide internet service to a public library within the same municipality at no cost for the service.
Section 4 provides the effective date.
Justification
Public libraries are a vital source of information access for New York- ers. For New Yorkers who cannot afford to pay for access in their homes, public libraries represent the only means of internet access. Since the bulk of new information and resources are primarily, if not solely, accessible through the internet, New Yorkers need a reliable point of access. Public libraries struggle to provide adequate access to meet demand due to the cost for computer workstations, ongoing internet connectivity, and necessary upgrades. Public libraries primarily rely on federal, state, and local funds, as well as donations to cover the costs of computer access.
By requiring internet service providers to supply public libraries internet services at no cost to the public library upon application or renewal of their franchise within a municipality, this act ensures greater access to free internet services for New Yorkers in their commu- nity, even where they cannot afford the service. The act also eases the costs placed on public libraries for providing internet access, allowing them to allocate limited funds to meet other pressing needs, such as new equipment or computers to meet demand for internet access.
Legislative history
New Bill.
Fiscal implications
None to the state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.