Sponsor · State Senator, District 10 · Democratic
Senate bill · S8576 (2025-26)
Provides public assistance for home internet service
Summary
Provides public assistance for home internet service payments.
Your position on this bill
Not chosen yet
Where it stands
Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
New York State Senate
Same as A2542, the matching bill in the Assembly.
Amends the Social Services Law.
Committee
Rules · New York State Assembly
Also referred to Rules · New York State Senate, Social Services · New York State Assembly, Social Services · New York State Senate, Ways and Means · New York State Assembly.
Purpose, from the sponsor's memo
This legislation expands the list of services eligible to be covered by temporary assistance to include internet service.
Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)
Cosponsors
The sponsor's argument
Why James Sanders Jr. says this is needed
In the 21st century, Internet is no longer a luxury, it has become a necessity for individuals to pay bills, apply for work, to complete schoolwork and much more. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as public libraries were closed, the necessity of home Internet access became even more evident. However, the cost of Internet service can is often prohib- itive for low-income New Yorkers. Individuals receiving temporary assistance may be eligible for monthly grants to help cover the costs of shelter, fuel for heating and meal costs, however internet service costs are not covered. This legislation will help families in need of assistance receive Internet access by making it a covered temporary assistance expense.
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.
Full history
- Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES
NY Senate
- Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
- Nov 12, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO RULES
NY Senate
- Mar 25, 2025
Reported out of committee
REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
- Jan 17, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES
NY Assembly
About this record
- Summary
The summary comes from NY Open Legislation, the New York State Senate's public record. For more, see How we handle summaries.
- Cosponsors
The list shows the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.
- Party colors
Parties are shown in the same neutral colors.
- Source
From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Nov 3, 2026. About our data
Read the record
- Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab) The official record on nysenate.gov.