New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08865

Introduced
1/12/26  

Caption

Requires a utility corporation or municipality to notify property owners at least five business days prior to beginning any non-emergency construction or other work that will result in a planned interruption of a customer's property; requires notice to include, but not be limited to, a description of the work to be performed, the expected duration of such work, the location of such work, and the contact information for the utility performing such work; exempts cases where a natural or man-made disaster or state of emergency occurs.

Impact

The enactment of S08865 will amend existing public service laws, specifically by adding section 119-f. By mandating advance notice, the bill seeks to reduce inconvenience for residents affected by construction activities, thereby promoting better community relations and potentially reducing complaints regarding service interruptions. The bill represents a proactive approach by the state to safeguard consumer interests and encourage utilities to be more responsible in their planning and communication efforts.

Summary

Bill S08865 introduces a new requirement for utility corporations and municipalities in New York to inform property owners at least five business days before commencing any scheduled non-emergency construction or work that is expected to interrupt a customer's property. This legislation aims to enhance communication and transparency regarding utility operations that may disrupt service, ensuring that residents are adequately informed and can prepare accordingly. The required notice must include details such as a description of the work, the anticipated duration, specific locations, and contact information for the utility involved.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill is a positive step towards enhancing customer rights and transparency, there may be concerns regarding the practicality of implementing these notification requirements. Some stakeholders could argue that the five-day notice period may not be sufficient in all cases, especially for urgent utility repairs that may arise unexpectedly. Additionally, the bill includes exemptions for circumstances involving natural disasters or states of emergency, which highlights a recognition that not all scenarios can adhere to this notification rule. Ultimately, the discussions surrounding this bill may weigh the needs for public awareness and utility efficiency.

Companion Bills

NY A11030

Same As Requires a utility corporation or municipality to notify property owners at least five business days prior to beginning any non-emergency construction or other work that will result in a planned interruption of a customer's property; requires notice to include, but not be limited to, a description of the work to be performed, the expected duration of such work, the location of such work, and the contact information for the utility performing such work; exempts cases where a natural or man-made disaster or state of emergency occurs.

Previously Filed As

NY A11030

Requires a utility corporation or municipality to notify property owners at least five business days prior to beginning any non-emergency construction or other work that will result in a planned interruption of a customer's property; requires notice to include, but not be limited to, a description of the work to be performed, the expected duration of such work, the location of such work, and the contact information for the utility performing such work; exempts cases where a natural or man-made disaster or state of emergency occurs.

NY S01848

Requires utilities to notify property owners prior to beginning any non-emergency construction or other work that may interfere with a property owner's ability to use, or access such owner's property; requires notice to include, but not limited to, a description of the work to be performed, the expected duration of such work, the location of such work, any road closures or detours that may occur due to such work, any action that may directly and materially impact the use of such property, and the contact information for the utility performing such work; provides notice may include electronic communications, signage, and written materials; exempts cases where a natural or man-made disaster or state of emergency occurs.

NY A02447

Requires utilities to notify property owners prior to beginning any non-emergency construction or other work that may interfere with a property owner's ability to use, or access such owner's property; requires notice to include, but not limited to, a description of the work to be performed, the expected duration of such work, the location of such work, any road closures or detours that may occur due to such work, any action that may directly and materially impact the use of such property, and the contact information for the utility performing such work; provides notice may include electronic communications, signage, and written materials; exempts cases where a natural or man-made disaster or state of emergency occurs.

NY S07109

Requires corporations and municipalities to notify property owners prior to beginning services that may interfere with a property owner's ability to enjoy, use, or access such property owner's property; exempts cases where a natural or man-made disaster or state of emergency occurs.

NY A09004

Establishes the small business working group to identify the twenty-five provisions of law or rules that are most frequently enforced through issuance of notices of violation and most frequently issued to small businesses; requires such working group to evaluate such provisions of law or rules to determine whether changes should be made to such provisions.

NY S09443

Establishes a four-day workweek pilot program for state employees; requires the division of the budget and the state department of civil service to identify state agencies or other jobs in the performance of any function of state government for which a four-day workweek is feasible and beneficial for at least sixty percent of state employees employed in such agency or job in the performance of such function of state government, and to implement a four-day workweek for such state employees.

NY S09397

Establishes an educator development workforce for the purpose of contracting with EDHUBNY, a nonprofit organization, for support of New York's child serving and educator workforce; authorizes the workforce to contract with EDHUBNY including performance measures, reporting requirements, and fiscal controls; authorizes collaboration with other state agencies; provides for an appropriation of $50 million.

NY A10196

Establishes an educator development workforce for the purpose of contracting with EDHUBNY, a nonprofit organization, for support of New York's child serving and educator workforce; authorizes the workforce to contract with EDHUBNY including performance measures, reporting requirements, and fiscal controls; authorizes collaboration with other state agencies; provides for an appropriation of $50 million.

NY A07300

Relates to establishing expanded construction mentorship opportunities for small business enterprises where there is privity of contract between a small business enterprise and a subcontractor or contractor working on an authority public works contract.

NY S0672

Provides that architects and other authorized disaster response workers be considered, in the course of performing their duties, state workers and be entitled to all rights in like manner as state employees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.