New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07845

Introduced
5/9/25  
Refer
5/9/25  

Caption

Provides for real property tax exemptions for last mile broadband infrastructure constructed, altered, installed or improved in an area designated a broadband opportunity area.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would facilitate significant changes to property tax exemptions for telecommunications service providers. Specifically, the legislation proposes that any new last-mile broadband infrastructure constructed within these designated opportunity areas would be exempt from real property taxes and special ad valorem levies. This potential tax incentive is geared towards attracting private sector investment in broadband services, addressing connectivity gaps, and ultimately fostering economic development in rural and underserved urban areas.

Summary

Bill S07845 seeks to amend the real property tax law and the urban development corporation act in New York State to establish broadband opportunity areas. It aims to promote the installation and improvement of last-mile broadband infrastructure in areas that currently lack adequate broadband internet access. The introduction of these designated areas is intended to enhance internet connectivity, particularly in underserved or unserved census tracts, thereby improving overall community infrastructure and promoting economic growth.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving broadband accessibility, there are potential points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that the designation of broadband opportunity areas could lead to regulatory complexity, particularly concerning local governments' ability to manage and govern these zones. Additionally, there are concerns about ensuring that the services delivered meet specific quality standards, including the speed of internet access that providers must meet to qualify for tax exemptions. Ensuring compliance and maintaining effective oversight over these projects could raise operational challenges for municipalities and state agencies alike.

Companion Bills

NY A06548

Same As Provides for real property tax exemptions for last mile broadband infrastructure constructed, altered, installed or improved in an area designated a broadband opportunity area.

Previously Filed As

NY A06548

Provides for real property tax exemptions for last mile broadband infrastructure constructed, altered, installed or improved in an area designated a broadband opportunity area.

NY HB382

Commercial Law - Broadband Access - Low-Income Consumer Programs (Maryland Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act)

NY SB571

Commercial Law - Broadband Access - Low-Income Consumer Programs (Maryland Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act)

NY HF974

Equal Access to Broadband Act established, and provisions governing broadband services and broadband infrastructure modified.

NY A08185

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.

NY S07456

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.

NY A08131

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.

NY S07601

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.

NY A07939

Establishes the affordable housing broadband assistance grant program within the division of broadband access to support no-cost and/or discounted subscriptions for households receiving federal, state, or local housing assistance or residing in housing units designated for low-income and/or vulnerable populations.

NY A10360

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.

Similar Bills

IL HB1737

BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT ACT

HI HB934

Relating To The Hawaii Broadband And Digital Equity Office.

CA AB1271

Communications: broadband internet service providers.

TX SB1405

Relating to increasing access to and reducing taxation of Internet services.

HI SB1062

Relating To The Hawaii Broadband And Digital Equity Office.

HI SB1062

Relating To The Hawaii Broadband And Digital Equity Office.

AZ SB1322

State broadband office; transfer; ADOA

MN SF2889

Office of Broadband Development renamed the Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity authorization; office duties and reporting requirements modification; state's broadband goals expansion; multifamily dwelling grant program establishment; definitions for the purpose of broadband development modification