Bill > A01755

This bill mandates that all temporary housing facilities in New York provide high-speed broadband internet and WiFi service to residents, with specific requirements and protections. The bill defines high-speed broadband as internet with download and upload speeds of at least one gigabit per second, or the maximum commercially available speeds in the local area. Temporary housing facilities, which include shelters for adults, families, domestic violence survivors, homeless youth, and refugees, must submit a plan to the department for internet access within one year and implement it within a year of approval. The bill includes important privacy protections, stipulating that facilities cannot use or disclose personal information obtained through internet access except as required to provide the service or in response to a legal warrant. The facilities are not required to monitor internet usage and will not be held responsible for illegal activities conducted through the WiFi. Additionally, the bill amends the ConnectAll digital equity grant program to facilitate funding for internet access in temporary housing. Credentials for WiFi access must be conspicuously displayed in public areas, and for hotels or motels providing WiFi, it must be available to all residents without discrimination at no additional cost.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1755