BILL NUMBER: S4783
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to information cable
television companies must provide to subscribers regarding availability
of required equipment at retail
 
PURPOSE:
To notify cable customers of their options regarding certain equipment
required for cable subscriptions, including how such equipment, includ-
ing modems, can be purchased at retail.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends subdivision 4 of section 224-a of the public service
law to add a new paragraph (d) that requires cable television companies
to provide notice regarding equipment, including modems or electronic
devices, required for subscriptions.
Section 2: Sets Effective Date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill mandates that cable service providers inform subscribers about
their options for purchasing necessary equipment, such as modems and
remote controls, rather than leasing them. While some consumers may
choose to lease equipment as part of a service package, others may be
unaware of alternative purchasing options. To enhance transparency and
consumer choice, this legislation requires providers to clearly disclose
where compatible retail equipment can be purchased and which devices are
supported by their cable system.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2020: S4519A, Referred to Energy and Telecommunications
2021: S1840A, Referred to Energy and Telecommunications
2022: S1840A, Advanced to Third Reading
2023: S3457, Referred to Energy and Telecommunications
2024: S3457, Referred to Energy and Telecommunications
Assembly
2020: A1416C, Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
2021: A1416C, Ordered to Third Reading
2022: A2499A, Passed Assembly
2023: N/A
2024: A9814, Referred to Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4783: 224-a public service law, 224-a(4) public service law