Relates to school districts evaluating capital improvement projects for such school district in the state for: compliance with the New York state climate leadership and community protection act, upgrading heating, ventilation or air conditioning to be more energy efficient, including, but not limited to upgrading to an active solar heating system; installing solar panels or other sources of alternative energy; improving broadband accessibility and reliability; upgrading technology so that it is more resistant to security risks; structural improvements, including, but not limited to windows, roofs, foundations and walls; purchasing hybrid or electric school buses; and upgrading plumbing and electrical systems.
Relates to the production of and the assessment of a surcharge for distinctive "Feeling Rural Good" license plates; establishes the feeling rural good health care fund; provides that funds deposited into the feeling rural good health care fund shall be used in rural regions of the state to expand school-based health programs, improve access to health research and education, and expand broadband access for improved access to telehealth.
This bill creates a uniform statewide process for approving certain wireless infrastructure upgrades, specifically exempting "eligible modifications" from local zoning and permitting requirements. It directly affects telecom companies seeking to add antennas, replace equipment, or remove old gear on existing towers or base stations (without changing their physical size). Key provisions allow these upgrades to be handled through a simplified municipal building inspector process instead of full zoning reviews, while preserving local authority over new construction and substantial changes. The law defines "eligible" modifications narrowly to exclude height increases exceeding 10% or 10 feet. Municipalities retain power to regulate other aspects of wireless facility siting under existing laws.
Relates to providing residents of municipal public housing in the state with free basic cable and high-speed internet service, and reimbursing internet service providers and cable television companies for providing such service.
Provides that all equipment used for the transmission and switching of radio signals for the provision of commercial mobile radio service or mobile internet access service no longer constitutes real property subject to the real property tax law.
Provides that municipal broadband service companies are authorized to provide broadband service to tenants in multi-family housing; provides that landlords shall not interfere with the installation of such service, demand or accept payment for allowing the service on the property, or discriminate in rental charges between tenants who receive broadband service and those that don't.
Authorizes two or more contiguous municipalities to create a broadband union district for the creation, administration, and maintenance of broadband infrastructure and services within such district; provides for governance, funding, powers, limitations, and related provisions for broadband union districts.
Provides that the department of transportation shall not require a survey as part of an agreement with any fiber optic utility for use and occupancy of a state right of way for the purposes of installing, modifying, relocating, repairing, operating, or maintaining fiber optic facilities as part of the department's consolidated application, when such use and occupancy of the state right of way is utilizing existing infrastructure, including but not limited to aerial pole attachments and underground conduits.
Provides that municipal broadband service companies are authorized to provide broadband service to tenants in multi-family housing; provides that landlords shall not interfere with the installation of such service, demand or accept payment for allowing the service on the property, or discriminate in rental charges between tenants who receive broadband service and those that don't.
This bill establishes a $250 million revolving fund to help municipalities create their own high-speed internet service providers. It directly affects towns, villages, cities, and counties seeking to build public broadband networks by providing low-cost loans for startup costs. The fund, managed by the Public Service Commission, allows loans for infrastructure development, with preference given to applications demonstrating greatest need and promoting equitable geographic distribution. Repaid loans and interest replenish the fund, creating a sustainable source of capital for future municipal broadband projects.
