BILL NUMBER: S4938
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring free
internet service in households with students who live at or below the
poverty level
 
PURPOSE:
This bill will ensure that every student has reliable internet access.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the article heading of article 11 of the public
service law.
Section two adds a new section 224-c to require broadband service compa-
nies provide free internet to any household where any elementary or
secondary student resides and where the income of such household is at
or below the poverty level, as per local poverty indicators. Further-
more, without charge, broadband service companies will have to identify
and install, refurbish, or strengthen broadband system/network in all
educational buildings including, but not limited to schools, libraries,
daycare centers, and community centers.
Section three establishes that the act shall take effect on the one
hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law.
 
EXISTING LAW:
N/A.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Many students lack internet access to study remotely from home. In New
York City, 1.5 Million residents lack broadband connection, and the
Ideal comptroller's office found that 44t of residents in poverty lacked
broadband access. Effort must be made to provide internet access to
students without means and to do so without imposing any further finan-
cial difficulty.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S5548
2021-2022: S4017
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
One hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law.