BILL NUMBER: S5032
SPONSOR: GRIFFO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to enacting the
"regional broadband expansion and access program act"
 
PURPOSE:
The Regional Broad Band Expansion Access Program (RBEAP) would decen-
tralize the current "New NY Broadband" process and allow localities to
work together and design regionally based plans to ensure Internet
access to every citizen in their designated area.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides legislative findings.
Section 2 contains the title the "Regional Broadband Expansion end
Access Program Act."
Section 3 amends the Public Service Law (PSI) by adding a new article 12
*New PSL § 241 sets forth definitions for Article 12.
*New PSL § 242 establishes the 'Regional Broadband Expansion and Access
Program" allowing a regional consortia to submit a regionally based
broadband plan for funding by the state.
*New PSL § 243 establishes broadband districts. Furthermore, designates
the broadband district to be led by the county executive and a represen-
tative from each of the county's inner municipalities.
*New PSL § 244 establishes regional broadband district plans to provide
every resident and entity within the regional broadband district reli-
able access to broadband services The plans, submitted by consortia of
broadband districts, shall be provided support at no cost to such
regional broadband district.
*New PSL § 245 establishes the eligible costs for any regional broadband
district plan.
Section 4 establishes that this act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
As the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new "remote world," where the
economy and our healthcare/education systems are dependent on a reliable
broadband infrastructure, we have seen New Yorkers struggle to attain
access to reliable Internet access. This bill would put the power back
in the hands of localities that understand their own regions better than
Albany-based state agencies end would increase access to remote-based
employment, education, and health services that will be part of the
post-pandemic world.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24-S.2613 - Energy and Telecommunications Committee
2022 - S. 7557 - Energy Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.