Bill > S01339

This bill authorizes broadband franchises and establishes new rules for communications lines in cities with a population of one million or more, primarily New York City. The legislation modifies existing transportation and public service laws to standardize how telecommunications and information service providers pay for using public rights-of-way. Specifically, the bill requires these providers to pay a per-linear-foot fee calculated based on the franchise fees paid by the primary cable franchisee in the county during 2012. Companies with existing franchise agreements can continue to pay according to those terms, and any fees paid cannot be passed on to consumers outside the city. The bill also gives these large cities additional authority to regulate telecommunications services to protect universal service, public safety, and consumer rights. Companies using communications lines (defined broadly to include cable, wire, fiber, and related equipment) for telecommunications, information, or cable television services will be subject to these new provisions. The legislation includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the bill is found invalid, the rest of the law remains in effect, and it will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1339