This bill asks the Governor of New York to officially recognize May 21, 2026, as Telepractice Awareness Day. The resolution highlights the benefits of using technology to provide speech, language, and hearing services to people who face barriers like distance or lack of local specialists. It also notes concerns about internet access in some households and supports the idea that telehealth can improve care for underserved communities. The measure does not change any laws or funding but serves to raise public awareness about these services. Copies of the resolution are sent to the Governor and relevant colleges that offer telehealth programs.
Provides regulatory control of Internet service providers by the public service commission; requires Internet neutrality; relates to the placement of equipment on utility poles.
This bill, known as the Municipal Broadband Financing Modernization Improvement Act of 2026, changes how long local governments can claim broadband infrastructure remains useful for financing purposes. It directly affects municipalities that build or upgrade internet networks by extending the official "probable usefulness" period from ten years to thirty years. The key provision amends the Local Finance Law to allow these infrastructure projects to be financed over a longer timeframe, which could impact how loans are structured and repaid. The change takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to broadband and telecommunications infrastructure acquired, constructed, or replaced under existing municipal laws.
Enacts the "NY broadband resiliency, public safety and quality act" to provide for oversight of the resiliency, public safety and quality of broadband and voice over internet protocol service.
Relates to requiring a digital equity officer be appointed by the director of the office of information technology services to develop, oversee and assist in providing statewide broadband access.
Requires broadband service providers to adhere to repair timelines for service interruptions including commencing corrective actions within twenty-four hours of notice and updating affected customers at least once every twenty-four hours during such interruptions.
This bill changes the timeframe for municipal broadband infrastructure projects under New York's financing rules. It extends the "period of probable usefulness" from 10 to 30 years for broadband and telecommunications infrastructure acquired, constructed, or replaced under specific local government laws. This adjustment directly affects municipalities and local governments that build or upgrade broadband networks, allowing them to recoup investments over a longer period. The change modifies existing financing provisions without altering project requirements or costs.
Enacts the "NY broadband resiliency, public safety and quality act" to provide for oversight of the resiliency, public safety and quality of broadband and voice over internet protocol service.
Establishes the "broadband deployment assistance act"; requires that substantially similar permits for broadband deployment be processed together at the same time and on an expedited basis; defines terms; authorizes municipalities to simultaneously process certain broadband permit applications that are substantially similar.
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.
