BILL NUMBER:  S6671

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the real property tax law, in
relation to providing an exemption for security cameras installed on
real property owned by a public utility

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

To encourage the placement of security cameras, recording equipment,
and digital information sharing technology on property owned by public
utilities and telecommunications companies by prohibiting the
placement of such equipment adding to property taxes owed.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Subdivision one of section 1 of the bill defines a public utility as a
company defined as a public service corporation, any other electric
service provider, fiber optic, cable, or any other telecommunication
company subject to the Public Service Commissioner.

Subdivision two exempts from real property taxes, or payments in lieu
of taxes, any equipment installed on property owned by a public
utility, whether or not that equipment is owned by said public
utility, that is used by any public security force.

Subdivision three authorizes real property tax services, on behalf of
              

the department of taxation and finance, to promulgate rules and
regulations necessary for the implementation of this section.

Section 2 provides for an immediate effective take upon issuance of
regulations.

 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE) :

New bill.

 JUSTIFICATION :

As has been demonstrated countless times, including in Chelsea in
Manhattan, Paris, Boston, and London, amongst many others, advanced
security cameras, connected devices, and software can serve to deter,
and if not, aid the quick apprehension of terrorists performing
horrendous acts against innocent civilians. In addition, this
equipment is an essential component in maintaining the security of
critical infrastructure throughout New York State.

It is vitally important that these cameras and interactive devices be
placed in optimum sites to provide maximum security and aid for our
public security agencies at all levels of government. Often, poles and
other equipment owned and operated by public utilities are the optimum
sites for these cameras. However, these utilities or the companies
owning or operating the equipment should not face higher ad valorem
taxes or payments as part of offering to enhance our collective
security against a multitude of terrorist threats.

This bill will ensure that if equipment is placed on public utility
property, and that equipment provides essential data to protect public
safety, the value of that equipment shall not contribute to the
overall property tax levy. Current law requires taxes to be paid based
on the value of the equipment.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS :
No loss from current revenues or increase of government expenditures.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediately, pursuant to the issuance of enacting regulations.