NY State Senate Bill 2021-S8491A

	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Jun 03, 2022	committed to rules
May 23, 2022	amended on third reading 8491c
May 18, 2022	amended on third reading 8491b
May 16, 2022	amended on third reading 8491a
May 02, 2022	advanced to third reading
Apr 27, 2022	2nd report cal.
Apr 26, 2022	1st report cal.922
Mar 07, 2022	referred to energy and telecommunications

co-Sponsors

2021-S8491 - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Public Service Law
Laws Affected:: Add §§66-t, 89-q, 91-b & 224-d, Pub Serv L
Versions Introduced in 2023-2024 Legislative Session:: S1201

2021-S8491 - Summary

Relates to establishing discount programs for veterans; provides that utilities, water-works corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to veterans; defines terms.

2021-S8491 - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8491

SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to establishing
discount programs for veterans

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To provide a discount for veterans in the state of New York for such
persons' utility bills.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 provides for the utility discount program. Authorizes and
directs the commission to require a gas corporation, electric corpo-
ration, or municipality to establish a discount program for veterans.
Delineates the eligibility requirements for veterans.

Section 2 the water discount program. Authorizes and directs the commis-
sion to require water-works corporations and municipal water systems to

establish a discount program for veterans. Delineates the eligibility
requirements for veterans.

Section 3 provides the telephone discount program. Authorizes and
directs the commission to require telephone corporations to provide a
discount program for veterans. Delineates the eligibility requirements
for veterans.

Section 4 provides for the cable television discount program.  Author-
izes and directs the commission to require telephone corporations and
cable television corporations to provide a discount program for veter-
ans. Delineates the eligibility requirements for veterans.

Section 5 sets the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Assistance in meeting the rising cost of utility rates is essential for
veterans who face special difficulty in meeting the financial demands.
The recent bill surges on customer utility bills due to supply side
limits left many with bills 4 times higher than expected.  A 10%
discount would provide some relief to veterans.

Utility rate increases currently take up a considerable amount of low
income individuals' income, especially our veterans who are living on
fixed income. While supply costs and weather-related increases in energy
use are extracurricular elements, utility companies can use the billing
process as a tool to mitigate future supply cost volatility for our most
vulnerable customers.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect take effect immediately.

2021-S8491 - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   8491
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                               March 7, 2022
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen.  PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on  Energy  and  Telecommuni-
   cations
 
 AN  ACT  to  amend  the  public service law, in relation to establishing
   discount programs for veterans
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

   Section  1.  The public service law is amended by adding a new section
 66-s to read as follows:
   § 66-S. UTILITY DISCOUNT PROGRAM.   1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 GAS  CORPORATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR MUNICIPALITY TO ESTABLISH A
 DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFEC-
 TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. SUCH PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT  TO
 VETERANS  IN  THE  FORM  OF A TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT ON UTILITY BILLS. THE
 FISCAL IMPACT OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND  SHALL
 NOT  BE  ADDED  TO  BILLS RENDERED BY A GAS CORPORATION, ELECTRIC CORPO-
 RATION OR MUNICIPALITY TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B) A GAS CORPORATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR  MUNICIPALITY  WHICH
 OFFERS  SUCH  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAIL-
 ABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF  SUCH  GAS  CORPO-
 RATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR  MUNICIPALITY.  THE  AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY  ADVERTISED  ON  THE
 ACCESSIBILITY  PAGE  OF  THE  WEBSITE  OF SUCH GAS CORPORATION, ELECTRIC
 CORPORATION OR MUNICIPALITY.
   2. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN  A  RESIDENT
 OF  THE  STATE  WHO  SERVED IN AND WHO RECEIVED ANY HONORABLE OR GENERAL
 DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR  FORCE,  MARINE  CORPS,
 COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,
 AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   § 2. The public service law is amended by adding a new section 89-q to
 read as follows:
   §  89-Q.  WATER  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM.  1.  (A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED  TO  REQUIRE
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD14947-01-2
 S. 8491                             2
 
 WATERWORKS  CORPORATIONS  AND  MUNICIPAL  WATER  SYSTEMS  TO ESTABLISH A
 DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFEC-
 TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.  SUCH PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT TO
 VETERANS  IN  THE FORM OF A TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT ON WATER UTILITY BILLS.
 THE FISCAL IMPACT OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE BORNE  BY  CUSTOMERS  AND
 SHALL  NOT  BE  ADDED  TO  BILLS RENDERED BY A WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR
 MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B) A WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR MUNICIPAL WATER  SYSTEM  WHICH  OFFERS
 SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF SUCH WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR
 MUNICIPAL  WATER  SYSTEM.  THE  AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT
 SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE ACCESSIBILITY PAGE OF  THE
 WEBSITE OF SUCH WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM.
   2.  FOR  THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A RESIDENT
 OF THE STATE WHO SERVED IN AND WHO RECEIVED  ANY  HONORABLE  OR  GENERAL
 DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS,
 COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,
 AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   § 3. The public service law is amended by adding a new section 91-b to
 read as follows:
   § 91-B. TELEPHONE DISCOUNT PROGRAM. 1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 TELEPHONE  CORPORATION  TO  ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO
 LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF  THIS  SECTION.  SUCH
 PROGRAM  SHALL  OFFER  A YEARLY BENEFIT TO VETERANS IN THE FORM OF A TEN
 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON TELEPHONE BILLS. THE FISCAL IMPACT OF  SUCH  PROGRAM
 SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED
 BY A TELEPHONE CORPORATION TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B)  A  TELEPHONE CORPORATION WHICH OFFERS SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL
 CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT  ON
 THE  WEBSITE  OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION. THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT
 OF SUCH DISCOUNT SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE  ACCESSI-
 BILITY PAGE OF THE WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION.
   2.  FOR  THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A RESIDENT
 OF THE STATE WHO SERVED IN AND WHO RECEIVED  ANY  HONORABLE  OR  GENERAL
 DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS,
 COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,
 AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   § 4. The public service law is amended by adding a new  section  224-d
 to read as follows:
   §  224-D.  CABLE  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM.  1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 TELEPHONE CORPORATION, AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION  SEVENTEEN  OF  SECTION
 TWO  OF  THIS  CHAPTER,  AND  A  CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY, AS DEFINED IN
 SECTION TWO HUNDRED TWELVE OF THIS ARTICLE, THAT PROVIDES CABLE  SERVICE
 TO  CUSTOMERS  IN NEW YORK, TO ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS
 NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. SUCH
 PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT TO VETERANS IN THE FORM  OF  A  TEN
 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON CABLE BILLS. THE FISCAL IMPACT OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL
 NOT  BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED BY A
 TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B) A TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY  WHICH  OFFERS
 SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT  OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR
 CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY. THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT OF  SUCH  DISCOUNT
 S. 8491                             3
 
 SHALL  ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE ACCESSIBILITY PAGE OF THE
 WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY.
   2.  FOR  THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A RESIDENT
 OF THE STATE WHO SERVED IN AND WHO RECEIVED  ANY  HONORABLE  OR  GENERAL
 DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS,
 COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,
 AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   § 5. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

2021-S8491A - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Public Service Law
Laws Affected:: Add §§66-t, 89-q, 91-b & 224-d, Pub Serv L
Versions Introduced in 2023-2024 Legislative Session:: S1201

2021-S8491A - Summary

Relates to establishing discount programs for veterans; provides that utilities, water-works corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to veterans; defines terms.

2021-S8491A - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8491A

SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to establishing
discount programs for veterans

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To provide a discount for veterans in the state of New York for such
persons' utility bills.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 provides for the utility discount program. Authorizes and
directs the commission to require a gas corporation, electric corpo-
ration, or municipality to establish a discount program for veterans.
Delineates the eligibility requirements for veterans.

Section 2 the water discount program. Authorizes and directs the commis-
sion to require water-works corporations and municipal water systems to

establish a discount program for veterans. Delineates the eligibility
requirements for veterans.

Section 3 provides the telephone discount program. Authorizes and
directs the commission to require telephone corporations to provide a
discount program for veterans. Delineates the eligibility requirements
for veterans.

Section 4 provides for the cable television discount program.  Author-
izes and directs the commission to require telephone corporations and
cable television corporations to provide a discount program for veter-
ans. Delineates the eligibility requirements for veterans.

Section 5 sets the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Assistance in meeting the rising cost of utility rates is essential for
veterans who face special difficulty in meeting the financial demands.
The recent bill surges on customer utility bills due to supply side
limits left many with bills 4 times higher than expected.  A 10%
discount would provide some relief to veterans.

Utility rate increases currently take up a considerable amount of low
income individuals' income, especially our veterans who are living on
fixed income. While supply costs and weather-related increases in energy
use are extracurricular elements, utility companies can use the billing
process as a tool to mitigate future supply cost volatility for our most
vulnerable customers.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect take effect immediately.

2021-S8491A - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  8491--A
     Cal. No. 922
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                               March 7, 2022
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by Sens. PARKER, GAUGHRAN -- read twice and ordered printed,
   and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and  Tele-
   communications  --  reported favorably from said committee, ordered to
   first and second report, ordered  to  a  third  reading,  amended  and
   ordered reprinted, retaining its place in the order of third reading

 AN  ACT  to  amend  the  public service law, in relation to establishing
   discount programs for veterans
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.  The public service law is amended by adding a new section
 66-t to read as follows:
   § 66-T. UTILITY DISCOUNT PROGRAM.   1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 GAS  CORPORATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR MUNICIPALITY TO ESTABLISH A
 DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFEC-
 TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. SUCH PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT  TO
 VETERANS  IN  THE  FORM  OF A TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT ON UTILITY BILLS. THE
 FISCAL IMPACT OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND  SHALL
 NOT  BE  ADDED  TO  BILLS RENDERED BY A GAS CORPORATION, ELECTRIC CORPO-
 RATION OR MUNICIPALITY TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B) A GAS CORPORATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR  MUNICIPALITY  WHICH
 OFFERS  SUCH  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAIL-
 ABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF  SUCH  GAS  CORPO-
 RATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR  MUNICIPALITY.  THE  AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY  ADVERTISED  ON  THE
 ACCESSIBILITY  PAGE  OF  THE  WEBSITE  OF SUCH GAS CORPORATION, ELECTRIC
 CORPORATION OR MUNICIPALITY.
   2. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN  A  RESIDENT
 OF THE STATE (A) IS THE PRIMARY NAMED UTILITY SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER; (B)
 WHO HAS HAD A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF LESS THAN FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
 FOR  THE  MOST  RECENT TWO CONSECUTIVE INCOME TAX YEARS BEGINNING IN TWO
 THOUSAND NINETEEN,  AS  VERIFIED  BY  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF  TAXATION  AND
 FINANCE; AND (C) WHO SERVED IN AND WHO RECEIVED ANY HONORABLE OR GENERAL
 DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS,
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD14947-02-2
 S. 8491--A                          2

 COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,
 AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   § 2. The public service law is amended by adding a new section 89-q to
 read as follows:
   §  89-Q.  WATER  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM.  1.  (A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED  TO  REQUIRE
 WATERWORKS  CORPORATIONS  AND  MUNICIPAL  WATER  SYSTEMS  TO ESTABLISH A
 DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFEC-
 TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.  SUCH PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT TO
 VETERANS IN THE FORM OF A TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT ON WATER  UTILITY  BILLS.
 THE  FISCAL  IMPACT  OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND
 SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED  BY  A  WATERWORKS  CORPORATION  OR
 MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B)  A  WATERWORKS  CORPORATION OR MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM WHICH OFFERS
 SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF SUCH WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR
 MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM. THE AVAILABILITY AND  AMOUNT  OF  SUCH  DISCOUNT
 SHALL  ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE ACCESSIBILITY PAGE OF THE
 WEBSITE OF SUCH WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM.
   2. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN  A  RESIDENT
 OF  THE STATE WHO (A) IS THE PRIMARY NAMED WATERWORKS OR MUNICIPAL WATER
 SYSTEM SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER; (B) WHO HAS HAD A TOTAL  HOUSEHOLD  INCOME
 OF  LESS THAN FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE MOST RECENT TWO CONSECUTIVE
 INCOME TAX YEARS BEGINNING IN TWO THOUSAND NINETEEN, AS VERIFIED BY  THE
 DEPARTMENT  OF  TAXATION  AND  FINANCE;  AND  (C)  WHO SERVED IN AND WHO
 RECEIVED ANY HONORABLE OR GENERAL DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY,
 NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES  THEREOF,
 AND/OR  THE  ARMY  NATIONAL GUARD, AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR
 NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   § 3. The public service law is amended by adding a new section 91-b to
 read as follows:
   § 91-B. TELEPHONE DISCOUNT PROGRAM. 1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 TELEPHONE  CORPORATION  TO  ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO
 LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF  THIS  SECTION.  SUCH
 PROGRAM  SHALL  OFFER  A YEARLY BENEFIT TO VETERANS IN THE FORM OF A TEN
 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON TELEPHONE BILLS. THE FISCAL IMPACT OF  SUCH  PROGRAM
 SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED
 BY A TELEPHONE CORPORATION TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B)  A  TELEPHONE CORPORATION WHICH OFFERS SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL
 CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT  ON
 THE  WEBSITE  OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION. THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT
 OF SUCH DISCOUNT SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE  ACCESSI-
 BILITY PAGE OF THE WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION.
   2.  (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A RESI-
 DENT OF THE STATE  WHO  (I)  IS  THE  PRIMARY  NAMED  TELEPHONE  SERVICE
 ACCOUNTHOLDER;  (II)  WHO  HAS HAD A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF LESS THAN
 FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE MOST RECENT TWO  CONSECUTIVE  INCOME  TAX
 YEARS  BEGINNING IN TWO THOUSAND NINETEEN, AS VERIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT
 OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; AND (III) WHO SERVED IN AND  WHO  RECEIVED  ANY
 HONORABLE  OR  GENERAL  DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR
 FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE
 ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW  YORK  GUARD  OR  NEW  YORK
 NAVAL MILITIA.
 S. 8491--A                          3
 
   (B)  A PRIMARY NAMED TELEPHONE SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER SHALL PROVIDE THE
 TELEPHONE CORPORATION AN AUTHENTICATED COPY  OF  HIS  OR  HER  DISCHARGE
 PAPERS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUCH DISCOUNT.
   §  4.  The public service law is amended by adding a new section 224-d
 to read as follows:
   § 224-D. CABLE DISCOUNT PROGRAM.  1.  (A)  NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 TELEPHONE  CORPORATION,  AS  DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION SEVENTEEN OF SECTION
 TWO OF THIS CHAPTER, AND A  CABLE  TELEVISION  COMPANY,  AS  DEFINED  IN
 SECTION  TWO HUNDRED TWELVE OF THIS ARTICLE, THAT PROVIDES CABLE SERVICE
 TO CUSTOMERS IN NEW YORK, TO ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM  FOR  VETERANS
 NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. SUCH
 PROGRAM  SHALL  OFFER  A YEARLY BENEFIT TO VETERANS IN THE FORM OF A TEN
 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON CABLE BILLS. THE FISCAL IMPACT OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL
 NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED BY  A
 TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B)  A  TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY WHICH OFFERS
 SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION  OR
 CABLE  TELEVISION  COMPANY. THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT
 SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE ACCESSIBILITY PAGE OF  THE
 WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY.
   2.  (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A RESI-
 DENT OF THE STATE WHO (I) IS THE PRIMARY NAMED  CABLE  SERVICE  ACCOUNT-
 HOLDER;  (II)  WHO  HAS  HAD A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF LESS THAN FIFTY
 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE MOST RECENT TWO CONSECUTIVE  INCOME  TAX  YEARS
 BEGINNING  IN  TWO  THOUSAND  NINETEEN, AS VERIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
 TAXATION AND FINANCE; AND (III) WHO RECEIVED ANY  HONORABLE  OR  GENERAL
 DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS,
 COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,
 AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   (B) A PRIMARY NAMED CABLE  SERVICE  ACCOUNTHOLDER  SHALL  PROVIDE  THE
 TELEPHONE  CORPORATION  OR THE CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY AN AUTHENTICATED
 COPY OF HIS OR HER DISCHARGE PAPERS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUCH DISCOUNT.
   § 5. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

2021-S8491B - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Public Service Law
Laws Affected:: Add §§66-t, 89-q, 91-b & 224-d, Pub Serv L
Versions Introduced in 2023-2024 Legislative Session:: S1201

2021-S8491B - Summary

Relates to establishing discount programs for veterans; provides that utilities, water-works corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to veterans; defines terms.

2021-S8491B - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8491B

SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to establishing
discount programs for veterans

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To provide a discount for veterans in the state of New York for such
persons' utility bills.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 provides for the utility discount program. Authorizes and
directs the commission to require a gas corporation, electric corpo-
ration, or municipality to establish a discount program for veterans.
Delineates the eligibility requirements for veterans.

Section 2 the water discount program. Authorizes and directs the commis-
sion to require water-works corporations and municipal water systems to

establish a discount program for veterans. Delineates the eligibility
requirements for veterans.

Section 3 provides the telephone discount program. Authorizes and
directs the commission to require telephone corporations to provide a
discount program for veterans. Delineates the eligibility requirements
for veterans.

Section 4 provides for the cable television discount program.  Author-
izes and directs the commission to require telephone corporations and
cable television corporations to provide a discount program for veter-
ans. Delineates the eligibility requirements for veterans.

Section 5 sets the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Assistance in meeting the rising cost of utility rates is essential for
veterans who face special difficulty in meeting the financial demands.
The recent bill surges on customer utility bills due to supply side
limits left many with bills 4 times higher than expected.  A 10%
discount would provide some relief to veterans.

Utility rate increases currently take up a considerable amount of low
income individuals' income, especially our veterans who are living on
fixed income. While supply costs and weather-related increases in energy
use are extracurricular elements, utility companies can use the billing
process as a tool to mitigate future supply cost volatility for our most
vulnerable customers.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect take effect immediately.

2021-S8491B - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  8491--B
     Cal. No. 922
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                               March 7, 2022
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by Sens. PARKER, GAUGHRAN -- read twice and ordered printed,
   and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and  Tele-
   communications  --  reported favorably from said committee, ordered to
   first and second report, ordered  to  a  third  reading,  amended  and
   ordered  reprinted,  retaining its place in the order of third reading
   -- again amended and ordered reprinted, retaining  its  place  in  the
   order of third reading
 
 AN  ACT  to  amend  the  public service law, in relation to establishing
   discount programs for veterans
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.  The public service law is amended by adding a new section
 66-t to read as follows:
   § 66-T. UTILITY DISCOUNT PROGRAM.   1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 GAS  CORPORATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR MUNICIPALITY TO ESTABLISH A
 DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFEC-
 TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. SUCH PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT  TO
 VETERANS  IN  THE  FORM  OF A TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT ON UTILITY BILLS. THE
 FISCAL IMPACT OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND  SHALL
 NOT  BE  ADDED  TO  BILLS RENDERED BY A GAS CORPORATION, ELECTRIC CORPO-
 RATION OR MUNICIPALITY TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B) A GAS CORPORATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR  MUNICIPALITY  WHICH
 OFFERS  SUCH  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAIL-
 ABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF  SUCH  GAS  CORPO-
 RATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR  MUNICIPALITY.  THE  AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY  ADVERTISED  ON  THE
 ACCESSIBILITY  PAGE  OF  THE  WEBSITE  OF SUCH GAS CORPORATION, ELECTRIC
 CORPORATION OR MUNICIPALITY.
   2. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN  A  RESIDENT
 OF THE STATE WHO (A) IS THE PRIMARY NAMED UTILITY SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER;
 (B) HAS HAD A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF LESS THAN FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS
 FOR  THE  MOST  RECENT TWO CONSECUTIVE INCOME TAX YEARS BEGINNING IN TWO
 THOUSAND NINETEEN,  AS  VERIFIED  BY  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF  TAXATION  AND
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD14947-04-2
 S. 8491--B                          2
 
 FINANCE;  AND  (C)  SERVED  IN AND WHO RECEIVED ANY HONORABLE OR GENERAL
 DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR  FORCE,  MARINE  CORPS,
 COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,
 AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   § 2. The public service law is amended by adding a new section 89-q to
 read as follows:
   §  89-Q.  WATER  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM.  1.  (A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED  TO  REQUIRE
 WATERWORKS  CORPORATIONS  AND  MUNICIPAL  WATER  SYSTEMS  TO ESTABLISH A
 DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFEC-
 TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.  SUCH PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT TO
 VETERANS IN THE FORM OF A TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT ON WATER  UTILITY  BILLS.
 THE  FISCAL  IMPACT  OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND
 SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED  BY  A  WATERWORKS  CORPORATION  OR
 MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B)  A  WATERWORKS  CORPORATION OR MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM WHICH OFFERS
 SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF SUCH WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR
 MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM. THE AVAILABILITY AND  AMOUNT  OF  SUCH  DISCOUNT
 SHALL  ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE ACCESSIBILITY PAGE OF THE
 WEBSITE OF SUCH WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM.
   2. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN  A  RESIDENT
 OF  THE STATE WHO (A) IS THE PRIMARY NAMED WATERWORKS OR MUNICIPAL WATER
 SYSTEM SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER; (B) HAS HAD A TOTAL  HOUSEHOLD  INCOME  OF
 LESS  THAN  FIFTY  THOUSAND  DOLLARS FOR THE MOST RECENT TWO CONSECUTIVE
 INCOME TAX YEARS BEGINNING IN TWO THOUSAND NINETEEN, AS VERIFIED BY  THE
 DEPARTMENT  OF  TAXATION AND FINANCE; AND (C) SERVED IN AND WHO RECEIVED
 ANY HONORABLE OR GENERAL DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED  STATES  ARMY,  NAVY,
 AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR
 THE  ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK
 NAVAL MILITIA.
   § 3. The public service law is amended by adding a new section 91-b to
 read as follows:
   § 91-B. TELEPHONE DISCOUNT PROGRAM. 1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 TELEPHONE  CORPORATION  TO  ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO
 LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF  THIS  SECTION.  SUCH
 PROGRAM  SHALL  OFFER  A YEARLY BENEFIT TO VETERANS IN THE FORM OF A TEN
 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON TELEPHONE BILLS. THE FISCAL IMPACT OF  SUCH  PROGRAM
 SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED
 BY A TELEPHONE CORPORATION TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B)  A  TELEPHONE CORPORATION WHICH OFFERS SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL
 CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT  ON
 THE  WEBSITE  OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION. THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT
 OF SUCH DISCOUNT SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE  ACCESSI-
 BILITY PAGE OF THE WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION.
   (C)  PARTICIPATION  IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S LIFELINE OR AFFORDABLE
 CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM, OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROGRAM THE COMMISSION SHALL DEEM
 SUFFICIENT, SHALL SATISFY THE TELEPHONE  CORPORATION'S  OR  CABLE  TELE-
 VISION  COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM UNDER PARA-
 GRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION, PROVIDED THAT  THE  COMMISSION  DEEMS  IT
 SUFFICIENT TO SATISFY SUCH REQUIREMENTS.
   (D)  BEFORE  APPLYING  A DISCOUNT UNDER PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVI-
 SION, A TELEPHONE CORPORATION MAY REQUIRE PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY FROM  THE
 PRIMARY  NAMED  TELEPHONE SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR IN
 WHICH THE DISCOUNT IS SOUGHT.
 S. 8491--B                          3
 
   2. (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A  RESI-
 DENT  OF  THE  STATE  WHO  (I)  IS  THE  PRIMARY NAMED TELEPHONE SERVICE
 ACCOUNTHOLDER; (II) HAS HAD A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF LESS THAN  FIFTY
 THOUSAND  DOLLARS  FOR  THE MOST RECENT TWO CONSECUTIVE INCOME TAX YEARS
 BEGINNING  IN  TWO  THOUSAND  NINETEEN, AS VERIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
 TAXATION AND FINANCE; AND (III) SERVED IN AND WHO RECEIVED ANY HONORABLE
 OR GENERAL DISCHARGE FROM THE  UNITED  STATES  ARMY,  NAVY,  AIR  FORCE,
 MARINE  CORPS,  COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY
 NATIONAL GUARD, AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD  OR  NEW  YORK  NAVAL
 MILITIA.
   (B)  A PRIMARY NAMED TELEPHONE SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER SHALL PROVIDE THE
 TELEPHONE CORPORATION AN AUTHENTICATED COPY  OF  HIS  OR  HER  DISCHARGE
 PAPERS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUCH DISCOUNT.
   §  4.  The public service law is amended by adding a new section 224-d
 to read as follows:
   § 224-D. CABLE DISCOUNT PROGRAM.  1.  (A)  NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 TELEPHONE  CORPORATION,  AS  DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION SEVENTEEN OF SECTION
 TWO OF THIS CHAPTER, AND A  CABLE  TELEVISION  COMPANY,  AS  DEFINED  IN
 SECTION  TWO HUNDRED TWELVE OF THIS ARTICLE, THAT PROVIDES CABLE SERVICE
 TO CUSTOMERS IN NEW YORK, TO ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM  FOR  VETERANS
 NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. SUCH
 PROGRAM  SHALL  OFFER  A YEARLY BENEFIT TO VETERANS IN THE FORM OF A TEN
 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON CABLE BILLS. THE FISCAL IMPACT OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL
 NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED BY  A
 TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B)  A  TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY WHICH OFFERS
 SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION  OR
 CABLE  TELEVISION  COMPANY. THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT
 SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE ACCESSIBILITY PAGE OF  THE
 WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY.
   (C)  PARTICIPATION  IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S LIFELINE OR AFFORDABLE
 CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM, OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROGRAM THE COMMISSION SHALL DEEM
 SUFFICIENT, SHALL SATISFY THE TELEPHONE  CORPORATION'S  OR  CABLE  TELE-
 VISION  COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM UNDER PARA-
 GRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION, PROVIDED THAT  THE  COMMISSION  DEEMS  IT
 SUFFICIENT TO SATISFY SUCH REQUIREMENTS.
   (D)  BEFORE  APPLYING  A DISCOUNT UNDER PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVI-
 SION, A TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION  COMPANY  MAY  REQUIRE
 PROOF  OF ELIGIBILITY FROM THE PRIMARY NAMED CABLE SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER
 FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR IN WHICH THE DISCOUNT IS SOUGHT.
   2. (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A  RESI-
 DENT  OF  THE  STATE WHO (I) IS THE PRIMARY NAMED CABLE SERVICE ACCOUNT-
 HOLDER; (II) HAS HAD A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF LESS THAN  FIFTY  THOU-
 SAND  DOLLARS  FOR  THE  MOST  RECENT  TWO  CONSECUTIVE INCOME TAX YEARS
 BEGINNING IN TWO THOUSAND NINETEEN, AS VERIFIED  BY  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF
 TAXATION  AND  FINANCE;  AND  (III)  RECEIVED  ANY  HONORABLE OR GENERAL
 DISCHARGE FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR  FORCE,  MARINE  CORPS,
 COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,
 AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   (B)  A  PRIMARY  NAMED  CABLE  SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER SHALL PROVIDE THE
 TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR THE CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY  AN  AUTHENTICATED
 COPY OF HIS OR HER DISCHARGE PAPERS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUCH DISCOUNT.
   § 5. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Rules
Law Section:: Public Service Law
Laws Affected:: Add §§66-t, 89-q, 91-b & 224-d, Pub Serv L
Versions Introduced in 2023-2024 Legislative Session:: S1201

2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Summary

Relates to establishing discount programs for veterans; provides that utilities, water-works corporations, telephone corporations and cable television companies shall create discount programs that provide a 10 percent discount to veterans; defines terms.

2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8491C

SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to establishing
discount programs for veterans

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To provide a discount for veterans in the state of New York for such
persons' utility bills.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 provides for the utility discount program. Authorizes and
directs the commission to require a gas corporation, electric corpo-
ration, or municipality to establish a discount program for veterans.
Delineates the eligibility requirements for veterans.

Section 2 the water discount program. Authorizes and directs the commis-
sion to require water-works corporations and municipal water systems to

establish a discount program for veterans. Delineates the eligibility
requirements for veterans.

Section 3 provides the telephone discount program. Authorizes and
directs the commission to require telephone corporations to provide a
discount program for veterans. Delineates the eligibility requirements
for veterans.

Section 4 provides for the cable television discount program.  Author-
izes and directs the commission to require telephone corporations and
cable television corporations to provide a discount program for veter-
ans. Delineates the eligibility requirements for veterans.

Section 5 sets the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Assistance in meeting the rising cost of utility rates is essential for
veterans who face special difficulty in meeting the financial demands.
The recent bill surges on customer utility bills due to supply side
limits left many with bills 4 times higher than expected.  A 10%
discount would provide some relief to veterans.

Utility rate increases currently take up a considerable amount of low
income individuals' income, especially our veterans who are living on
fixed income. While supply costs and weather-related increases in energy
use are extracurricular elements, utility companies can use the billing
process as a tool to mitigate future supply cost volatility for our most
vulnerable customers.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None to the state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect take effect immediately.

2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  8491--C
     Cal. No. 922
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                               March 7, 2022
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by Sens. PARKER, GAUGHRAN -- read twice and ordered printed,
   and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and  Tele-
   communications  --  reported favorably from said committee, ordered to
   first and second report, ordered  to  a  third  reading,  amended  and
   ordered  reprinted,  retaining its place in the order of third reading
   -- again amended and ordered reprinted, retaining  its  place  in  the
   order of third reading -- again amended and ordered reprinted, retain-
   ing its place in the order of third reading
 
 AN  ACT  to  amend  the  public service law, in relation to establishing
   discount programs for veterans
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.  The public service law is amended by adding a new section
 66-t to read as follows:
   § 66-T. UTILITY DISCOUNT PROGRAM.   1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 GAS  CORPORATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR MUNICIPALITY TO ESTABLISH A
 DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFEC-
 TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. SUCH PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT  TO
 VETERANS  IN  THE  FORM  OF A TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT ON UTILITY BILLS. THE
 FISCAL IMPACT OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND  SHALL
 NOT  BE  ADDED  TO  BILLS RENDERED BY A GAS CORPORATION, ELECTRIC CORPO-
 RATION OR MUNICIPALITY TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B) A GAS CORPORATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR  MUNICIPALITY  WHICH
 OFFERS  SUCH  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAIL-
 ABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF  SUCH  GAS  CORPO-
 RATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR  MUNICIPALITY.  THE  AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY  ADVERTISED  ON  THE
 ACCESSIBILITY  PAGE  OF  THE  WEBSITE  OF SUCH GAS CORPORATION, ELECTRIC
 CORPORATION OR MUNICIPALITY.
   2. (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A  RESI-
 DENT  OF THE STATE WHO (I) IS THE PRIMARY NAMED UTILITY SERVICE ACCOUNT-
 HOLDER; (II) HAS HAD A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF LESS THAN  FIFTY  THOU-
 SAND  DOLLARS  FOR  THE  MOST  RECENT  TWO  CONSECUTIVE INCOME TAX YEARS
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets

                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD14947-06-2
 S. 8491--C                          2
 
 BEGINNING IN TWO THOUSAND NINETEEN, AS VERIFIED  BY  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF
 TAXATION AND FINANCE; AND (III) SERVED IN AND WHO RECEIVED ANY HONORABLE
 OR  GENERAL  DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  UNITED  STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE,
 MARINE  CORPS,  COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY
 NATIONAL GUARD, AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD  OR  NEW  YORK  NAVAL
 MILITIA.
   (B)    A PRIMARY NAMED UTILITY SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER SHALL PROVIDE THE
 GAS CORPORATION,  ELECTRIC  CORPORATION  OR MUNICIPALITY AN AUTHENTICAT-
 ED COPY  OF  HIS  OR   HER   DISCHARGE PAPERS TO BE  ELIGIBLE  FOR  SUCH
 DISCOUNT TO DEMONSTRATE ELIGIBILITY UNDER PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVI-
 SION.
   § 2. The public service law is amended by adding a new section 89-q to
 read as follows:
   §  89-Q.  WATER  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM.  1.  (A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED  TO  REQUIRE
 WATERWORKS  CORPORATIONS  AND  MUNICIPAL  WATER  SYSTEMS  TO ESTABLISH A
 DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFEC-
 TIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.  SUCH PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT TO
 VETERANS IN THE FORM OF A TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT ON WATER  UTILITY  BILLS.
 THE  FISCAL  IMPACT  OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND
 SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED  BY  A  WATERWORKS  CORPORATION  OR
 MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B)  A  WATERWORKS  CORPORATION OR MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM WHICH OFFERS
 SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF SUCH WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR
 MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM. THE AVAILABILITY AND  AMOUNT  OF  SUCH  DISCOUNT
 SHALL  ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE ACCESSIBILITY PAGE OF THE
 WEBSITE OF SUCH WATERWORKS CORPORATION OR MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM.
   2. (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A  RESI-
 DENT  OF  THE STATE WHO (I) IS THE PRIMARY NAMED WATERWORKS OR MUNICIPAL
 WATER SYSTEM SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER;  (II)  HAS  HAD  A  TOTAL  HOUSEHOLD
 INCOME  OF  LESS  THAN  FIFTY  THOUSAND  DOLLARS FOR THE MOST RECENT TWO
 CONSECUTIVE INCOME TAX YEARS BEGINNING  IN  TWO  THOUSAND  NINETEEN,  AS
 VERIFIED  BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; AND (III) SERVED IN
 AND WHO RECEIVED ANY HONORABLE OR  GENERAL  DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  UNITED
 STATES  ARMY,  NAVY,  AIR  FORCE,  MARINE  CORPS, COAST GUARD AND/OR THE
 RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,  AIR  NATIONAL  GUARD,
 NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   (B)    A  PRIMARY  NAMED  WATERWORKS OR MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM SERVICE
 ACCOUNTHOLDER SHALL PROVIDE THE WATERWORKS  CORPORATION   OR   MUNICIPAL
 WATER  SYSTEM  AN AUTHENTICATED COPY  OF  HIS  OR  HER  DISCHARGE PAPERS
 TO  BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUCH DISCOUNT TO DEMONSTRATE ELIGIBILITY UNDER PARA-
 GRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
   § 3. The public service law is amended by adding a new section 91-b to
 read as follows:
   § 91-B. TELEPHONE DISCOUNT PROGRAM. 1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING  ANY  OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 TELEPHONE  CORPORATION  TO  ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS NO
 LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF  THIS  SECTION.  SUCH
 PROGRAM  SHALL  OFFER  A YEARLY BENEFIT TO VETERANS IN THE FORM OF A TEN
 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON TELEPHONE BILLS. THE FISCAL IMPACT OF  SUCH  PROGRAM
 SHALL NOT BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED
 BY A TELEPHONE CORPORATION TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B)  A  TELEPHONE CORPORATION WHICH OFFERS SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL
 CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT OF SUCH DISCOUNT  ON
 THE  WEBSITE  OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION. THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT
 S. 8491--C                          3
 
 OF SUCH DISCOUNT SHALL ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE  ACCESSI-
 BILITY PAGE OF THE WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION.
   (C)  PARTICIPATION  IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S LIFELINE OR AFFORDABLE
 CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM, OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROGRAM THE COMMISSION SHALL DEEM
 SUFFICIENT, SHALL SATISFY THE TELEPHONE  CORPORATION'S  OR  CABLE  TELE-
 VISION  COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM UNDER PARA-
 GRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION, UNLESS THE COMMISSION DEEMS  IT  INSUFFI-
 CIENT TO SATISFY SUCH REQUIREMENTS.
   (D)  BEFORE  APPLYING  A DISCOUNT UNDER PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVI-
 SION, A TELEPHONE CORPORATION MAY REQUIRE PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY FROM  THE
 PRIMARY  NAMED  TELEPHONE SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR IN
 WHICH THE DISCOUNT IS SOUGHT.
   2. (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A  RESI-
 DENT  OF  THE  STATE  WHO  (I)  IS  THE  PRIMARY NAMED TELEPHONE SERVICE
 ACCOUNTHOLDER; (II) HAS HAD A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF LESS THAN  FIFTY
 THOUSAND  DOLLARS  FOR  THE MOST RECENT TWO CONSECUTIVE INCOME TAX YEARS
 BEGINNING IN TWO THOUSAND NINETEEN, AS VERIFIED  BY  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF
 TAXATION AND FINANCE; AND (III) SERVED IN AND WHO RECEIVED ANY HONORABLE
 OR  GENERAL  DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  UNITED  STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE,
 MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR  THE  ARMY
 NATIONAL  GUARD,  AIR  NATIONAL  GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL
 MILITIA.
   (B) A PRIMARY NAMED TELEPHONE SERVICE ACCOUNTHOLDER SHALL PROVIDE  THE
 TELEPHONE  CORPORATION  AN  AUTHENTICATED  COPY  OF HIS OR HER DISCHARGE
 PAPERS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUCH DISCOUNT TO DEMONSTRATE ELIGIBILITY UNDER
 PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
   § 4. The public service law is amended by adding a new  section  224-d
 to read as follows:
   §  224-D.  CABLE  DISCOUNT  PROGRAM.  1. (A) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER
 PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO REQUIRE A
 TELEPHONE CORPORATION, AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION  SEVENTEEN  OF  SECTION
 TWO  OF  THIS  CHAPTER,  AND  A  CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY, AS DEFINED IN
 SECTION TWO HUNDRED TWELVE OF THIS ARTICLE, THAT PROVIDES CABLE  SERVICE
 TO  CUSTOMERS  IN NEW YORK, TO ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR VETERANS
 NO LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION. SUCH
 PROGRAM SHALL OFFER A YEARLY BENEFIT TO VETERANS IN THE FORM  OF  A  TEN
 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON CABLE BILLS. THE FISCAL IMPACT OF SUCH PROGRAM SHALL
 NOT  BE BORNE BY CUSTOMERS AND SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO BILLS RENDERED BY A
 TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY TO CUSTOMERS.
   (B) A TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY  WHICH  OFFERS
 SUCH DISCOUNT PROGRAM SHALL CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY AND
 AMOUNT  OF SUCH DISCOUNT ON THE WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR
 CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY. THE AVAILABILITY AND AMOUNT OF  SUCH  DISCOUNT
 SHALL  ALSO BE CONSPICUOUSLY ADVERTISED ON THE ACCESSIBILITY PAGE OF THE
 WEBSITE OF SUCH TELEPHONE CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY.
   (C) PARTICIPATION IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S LIFELINE  OR  AFFORDABLE
 CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM, OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROGRAM THE COMMISSION SHALL DEEM
 SUFFICIENT,  SHALL  SATISFY  THE  TELEPHONE CORPORATION'S OR CABLE TELE-
 VISION COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO ESTABLISH A DISCOUNT PROGRAM UNDER  PARA-
 GRAPH  (A)  OF THIS SUBDIVISION, UNLESS THE COMMISSION DEEMS IT INSUFFI-
 CIENT TO SATISFY SUCH REQUIREMENTS.
   (D) BEFORE APPLYING A DISCOUNT UNDER PARAGRAPH (A)  OF  THIS  SUBDIVI-
 SION,  A  TELEPHONE  CORPORATION OR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY MAY REQUIRE
 PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY FROM THE PRIMARY NAMED CABLE SERVICE  ACCOUNTHOLDER
 FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR IN WHICH THE DISCOUNT IS SOUGHT.
 S. 8491--C                          4
 
   2.  (A) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, "VETERAN" SHALL MEAN A RESI-
 DENT OF THE STATE WHO (I) IS THE PRIMARY NAMED  CABLE  SERVICE  ACCOUNT-
 HOLDER;  (II)  HAS HAD A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF LESS THAN FIFTY THOU-
 SAND DOLLARS FOR THE  MOST  RECENT  TWO  CONSECUTIVE  INCOME  TAX  YEARS
 BEGINNING  IN  TWO  THOUSAND  NINETEEN, AS VERIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
 TAXATION AND FINANCE;  AND  (III)  RECEIVED  ANY  HONORABLE  OR  GENERAL
 DISCHARGE  FROM  THE  UNITED STATES ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS,
 COAST GUARD AND/OR THE RESERVES THEREOF, AND/OR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD,
 AIR NATIONAL GUARD, NEW YORK GUARD OR NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA.
   (B) A PRIMARY NAMED CABLE  SERVICE  ACCOUNTHOLDER  SHALL  PROVIDE  THE
 TELEPHONE  CORPORATION  OR THE CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY AN AUTHENTICATED
 COPY OF HIS OR HER DISCHARGE PAPERS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUCH DISCOUNT  TO
 DEMONSTRATE ELIGIBILITY UNDER PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION.
   § 5. This act shall take effect immediately.

Senate Bill S8491A

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Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Rules Committee

Apr 26, 2022 - Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote

Energy And Telecommunications Committee Vote: Apr 26, 2022

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2021-S8491 - Details

2021-S8491 - Summary

2021-S8491 - Sponsor Memo

2021-S8491 - Bill Text download pdf

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2021-S8491A - Details

2021-S8491A - Summary

2021-S8491A - Sponsor Memo

2021-S8491A - Bill Text download pdf

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2021-S8491B - Details

2021-S8491B - Summary

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2021-S8491B - Bill Text download pdf

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2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Details

2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Summary

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2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

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Senate Bill S8491A

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Sponsored By

Kevin S. Parker

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Rules Committee

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

James Gaughran

2021-S8491 - Details

2021-S8491 - Summary

2021-S8491 - Sponsor Memo

2021-S8491 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

James Gaughran

2021-S8491A - Details

2021-S8491A - Summary

2021-S8491A - Sponsor Memo

2021-S8491A - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

James Gaughran

2021-S8491B - Details

2021-S8491B - Summary

2021-S8491B - Sponsor Memo

2021-S8491B - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

James Gaughran

2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Details

2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Summary

2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2021-S8491C (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

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