BILL NUMBER: S5541
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public housing law, in relation to broadband access
in the New York state low-income housing tax credit program
 
PURPOSE:
To enhance the development of low-income housing with access to high-
speed broadband internet service.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends subdivision 1 of section 25 of the public housing law
to include commitments to provide access to high-speed broadband inter-
net service in the project scoring criteria for the state low-income
housing tax credit program.
Section 2: Sets Effective Date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The New York State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (SLIHC) Program aims to
enhance the availability of suitable, fully adapted, move-in-ready
affordable housing units and improve neighborhood residents' quality of
life and opportunities.
Although high-speed broadband service is now essential to full partic-
ipation in modern life, the current SLIHC rules do not include any
requirements relating to broadband service availability at project
locations. Many studies indicate that high-speed broadband is integral
to improving economic development activity, expanding employment oppor-
tunities, increasing property values, and generally improving the quali-
ty of life for citizens. New York's affordable housing units should not
be excluded from the benefits of access to high-speed fiber broadband
internet service. Certain federal broadband grant programs already
recognize fiber-optic architecture as a priority in providing broadband
service because of the benefits and advantages of fiber technology. By
adding fiber-optic broadband technology as a factor to consider in
awarding grants under the SLIHC program, residents in affordable housing
developments will be better positioned to take advantage of employment
and educational opportunities and enjoy a better quality of life.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2023: S5911, Referred to Housing, Construction and Community Development
2024: S5911, Referred to Housing, Construction and Community Development
Assembly
2023: A6740, Referred to Housing
2024: A6740, Reported Referred to Ways and Means
 
FISCAL IMPACT ON THE STATE:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5541: 25 public housing law, 25(1) public housing law