Bill > A08185

This bill authorizes two or more contiguous municipalities to create a broadband union district (BUD) for the purpose of developing, maintaining, and administering broadband infrastructure and services. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for how these districts can be formed, governed, and operated. Key provisions include allowing municipalities to voluntarily join together to create a district, establishing a governing board composed of one representative from each member municipality, and granting the district broad powers to plan, finance, construct, and operate broadband infrastructure. The district can provide broadband services, enter into contracts, apply for grants, issue bonds, and hire staff, but with important limitations: it cannot levy taxes, cannot require financial contributions from member municipalities without their consent, and its obligations are payable only from its own revenues. The bill also includes detailed provisions for district formation, governance, financial accountability, admission of new members, withdrawal of members, and potential dissolution. Importantly, the bill ensures that member municipalities are immune from liability for the district's actions and that the district must be transparent, with annual budgets, audits, and reports. The goal is to enable municipalities to collaboratively address broadband infrastructure needs in areas potentially underserved by existing telecommunications providers.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8185