Bill > S00917

This bill enacts the "Credit for Rural Broadband Act," which creates a refundable tax credit to incentivize broadband network expansion in rural, unserved areas. The bill defines an "unserved area" as a region where at least 90% of households lack access to terrestrial broadband service, with broadband defined as internet service offering download speeds of at least 4 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 1 Mbps. The tax credit is available to qualified taxpayers (small business corporations or individuals with adjusted gross income of $250,000 or less) who make a customer contribution toward new broadband network construction. The credit will be calculated based on qualified construction expenses and the number of residents and small businesses in the unserved area, and can be claimed annually over a five-year period. The Office of Information Technology Services will be responsible for verifying "unserved" areas using broadband mapping data. The bill aims to encourage private investment in expanding internet infrastructure to underserved rural communities by providing a financial incentive to both service providers and potential customers. The tax credit will take effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S917