S 1238 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

This bill requires CATV companies (cable providers) seeking new municipal franchises or renewing existing ones to provide free broadband Internet service and necessary equipment (like routers) to public libraries, fire stations, public schools, police stations, and other municipal buildings. Public libraries must receive business-class broadband with bandwidth matching their specific needs. The requirement applies only to CATV companies operating under municipal franchises approved after the bill's effective date. It does not affect existing service agreements or require free broadband for private entities.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Linda Greenstein
Linda Greenstein
DDemocratic
NJ
14