NJ S2655

Bill

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

Introduced
02/12/2024

In Committee
02/12/2024

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires a cable television (CATV) company that is applying for or renewing a municipal franchise to provide free Internet service, including routers or other necessary equipment, to at least one public library in the municipality served by the CATV company. The free Internet service requirement is to take effect as part of any new or renewed municipal franchise agreement that is issued or approved by the Board of Public Utilities after the effective date of the bill. The bill also requires a CATV company to provide the public library with a business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to the public library's needs. Further, the bill requires a CATV company that is applying for or renewing a system-wide franchise to provide free Internet service, including a router or other necessary equipment, to all municipal buildings in a municipality served by that CATV company. The free Internet service provided to a public library by a CATV company that is a system-wide franchise shall have a business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to the public library's needs.

AI Summary

This bill requires cable television (CATV) companies, when applying for or renewing a municipal franchise, to provide free broadband Internet service, including necessary equipment like routers, to at least one public library within the municipality. This requirement will be effective for any new or renewed franchise agreement approved after the bill becomes law. The bill also mandates that the provided Internet service to public libraries must offer business-level bandwidth and capacity suitable for their needs. Furthermore, for companies seeking or renewing a system-wide franchise, which covers an entire municipality, the bill mandates free Internet service and equipment for all municipal buildings, including public libraries, with the same business-level bandwidth and capacity requirement for libraries.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Linda Greenstein (D)*,

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 02/12/2024)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2655

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2655
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2655_I1.HTM
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S3000/2655_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A1470	Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee	Same As
A3135	Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee	Carry Over
S1226	Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S2655

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary