Senate Bill S7376

                                
 
BILL NUMBER: S7376

SPONSOR: RITCHIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring certain
internet service providers to provide internet access to public
libraries at no cost

 
PURPOSE:

To ease the financial burden on public libraries by requiring certain
internet service providers to provide internet access to public
libraries at no cost for the service.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the heading of article 11 of the public service law to
include "and internet" to denote internet service providers as included
under the article.

              

Section 2 amends section 212 of the public service law by defining
"internet service provider."

Section 3 adds a subdivision to the public service law that requires
internet service providers that apply for or renew their franchise with-
in a municipality to provide internet service to a public library within
the same municipality at no cost for the service.

Section 4 provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Public libraries are a vital source of information access for New York-
ers. For New Yorkers who cannot afford to pay for access in their homes,
public libraries represent the only means of internet access.  Since the
bulk of new information and resources are primarily, if not solely,
accessible through the internet, New Yorkers need a reliable point of
access. Public libraries struggle to provide adequate access to meet
demand due to the cost for computer workstations, ongoing internet
connectivity, and necessary upgrades. Public libraries primarily rely on
federal, state, and local funds, as well as donations to cover the costs
of computer access.

By requiring internet service providers to supply public libraries
internet services at no cost to the public library upon application or
renewal of their franchise within a municipality, this act ensures
greater access to free internet services for New Yorkers in their commu-
nity, even where they cannot afford the service. The act also eases the
costs placed on public libraries for providing internet access, allowing
them to allocate limited funds to meet other pressing needs, such as new
equipment or computers to meet demand for internet access.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.