What's happening
This bill directs the Department of Public Service to study and report on the feasibility of a municipal broadband program in New York.
Why it matters
A comprehensive study could reveal gaps in current internet access. especially in underserved or rural areas—which may inform future investments or policies to bridge the digital divide in New York.
By assessing costs and available resources, the study could clarify financial and logistical hurdles. that local governments face when considering municipal broadband, influencing whether such initiatives are pursued statewide.
The focus on necessary expertise and consultation with industry experts means the report may highlight workforce and technical challenges. , potentially sparking training programs, partnerships, or regulatory reforms to support municipal broadband efforts.
Requiring public release of the findings ensures transparency. , giving residents, advocacy groups, and policymakers robust information to debate the merits and challenges of municipal broadband, which could shape the state’s digital infrastructure strategy.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Study Municipal Broadband Feasibility
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Substituted by S6041A
- Ordered to third reading rules cal.98
- Rules report cal.98
- Reported
- Reported referred to rules
- Reported referred to ways and means
- Print number 2037a
- Amend (t) and recommit 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.
Study Municipal Internet Feasibility
Vetoed · Sponsor Rachel May
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2037--A
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 22, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. GUNTHER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT directing the department of public service to study the feasibility of a municipal broadband program within the state
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The department of public service shall, in consultation with the urban development corporation and any other relevant state entity, undertake a study and evaluation of the feasibility of a municipal broadband program within the state. Such study and evaluation shall include, but not be limited to: the estimated costs of a municipal broadband program, the current state and federal resources available to municipalities to undertake such a program, and the relevant expertise necessary for a municipality to administer such a program.
§ 2. The department of public service shall evaluate such data with the assistance of experts in:
a. internet speeds;
b. telecommunications; and
c. broadband infrastructure.
§ 3. No later than one year after the effective date of this act, the department of public service shall submit to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and the speaker of the assembly a report on the feasibility of a municipal broadband program within the state. Such report shall also be posted on the department of public service's website.
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01696-02-9
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.