Provides an exemption for certain fiber optic cable assessments in Erie county

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why the sponsor says this is needed

Reliable, affordable broadband access is essential for New Yorkers to be able to participate in, contribute to, and succeed in modern society. Studies show that broadband access has a positive impact on individuals and communities. However, reliable, affordable broadband is not avail- able to every New Yorker. According to the NYS Comptroller, as of 2021, more than one million (or 13.8% of the state) of households do not have access to broadband. One in three low-income households do not have access. Some such households are in communities without broadband infrastructure. Others are unable to fit the cost of a broadband subscription into their budget without foregoing other essentials. These disparities in access create a "digital divide." One potential means of closing the digital divide is increasing the number of publicly owned or "open access" fiber optic broadband compa- nies across the state. This is the primary goal of the ConnectALL Munic- ipal Infrastructure Program, which provides state grants to construct last mile, open access broadband infrastructure. This open access broadband can then be provided directly to consumers via a municipal entity or affiliated non-profit, or internet service providers may contract to use the infrastructure to provide broadband access to consumers. These buildouts are meant to complement existing carrier infrastructure, and direct resources to unserved and underserved commu- nities. This legislation endeavors to incentivize the development and deployment of open access broadband by ensuring that municipal entities and nonpro- fits will not have to pay property taxes on the infrastructure. This is similar to the exemptions provided for utilities and broadcasting and would demonstrate that the state recognizes the essential nature of broadband access.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.