BILL NUMBER: S3109
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to requiring
substantially similar permits for broadband deployment to be processed
together at the same time and on an expedited basis
 
PURPOSE:
To accelerate the deployment of broadband Internet infrastructure and
take full advantage of funding opportunities by expediting the permit
application process
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
The general municipal law is amended by adding a new article 13-E,
establishing definitions for broadband project permits, and establishing
procedures for processing multiple permit applications at the same time.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The rise of work-from-home, telehealth, and remote learning has made
access to modern broadband Internet an absolute necessity for an indi-
vidual or business to be competitive in today's economy and should be
treated as a utility. Broadband infrastructure is also vital for commu-
nities, facilitating greater access to emergency services, commerce, and
education. Those in rural communities particularly rely on high-speed
Internet to access vital services that may be too far to reach easily
in-person. The State's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program
proposal identified streamlining the permitting process as a critical
component in the program's success.
This legislation would facilitate more efficient processing of permit
applications by allowing batches of up to 30 substantially similar
applications to be reviewed at once. This would allow service providers
to receive permits sooner, allowing more homes and businesses access to
high speed internet much more quickly. The length of time it takes for a
local jurisdiction to process permits for broadband projects is a
significant factor in the time frame of the project as a whole. The
legislation would also increase revenue to local governments via permit
fees, and allow local governments to make more efficient use of their
resources. This legislation will prevent vital infrastructure for our
communities from being held up by red tape, facilitating more connected
and productive communities.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S.9134
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.