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A 5044

Requires that internet providers who provide service in a municipality provide basic internet service to each residential dwelling or residential dwelling unit in that municipality at no cost

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Colton and 6 co-sponsors

Requires ISPs serving a municipality to provide free basic internet to every residential dwelling or unit in that municipality.

REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5044

Bill Summary: Assembly Bill A 5044

Overview

  • Bill: A 5044
  • Title: Requires that internet providers who provide service in a municipality provide basic internet service to each residential dwelling or residential dwelling unit in that municipality at no cost
  • Status: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
  • Introduced: February 11, 2025
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the same committee on February 11, 2025 (listed twice in the record)
  • Primary sponsor: Jonathan Jacobson
  • Co-sponsors: Jo Anne Simon, William Colton, Steven Raga, Christopher Eachus, Harvey Epstein, Ron Kim
  • Related bills (prior sessions): A 10475, A 2219, A 1116

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill appears to mandate that any internet service provider delivering service within a municipality must provide a basic level of internet access to every residential dwelling or unit in that municipality at no cost.
  • The objective implied by the title is to expand access to basic internet by removing cost barriers for residents within participating municipalities.

Key Provisions (status note)

  • Specifics such as the definition of “basic internet service,” what constitutes “no cost,” eligibility, service standards (speed, reliability), duration, funding, and enforcement are not provided in the summary available. The exact text would detail how “basic internet service” is defined, which entities are covered, and how compliance is monitored.
  • As the bill is currently in committee, no enacted provisions or timelines are available beyond the introductory and referral actions.

Affected Parties

  • Internet service providers operating in municipalities: Potentially required to offer free basic service to all residential units within the municipality.
  • Residents in municipalities: Would gain access to free basic internet service, subject to bill definitions.
  • Municipal governments: Likely to be involved in implementing, monitoring, or coordinating with providers under the bill.
  • State legislators and agencies: Responsible for drafting, enforcing, or revising the regulatory framework if enacted.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status indicates introduction and referral to the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions on February 11, 2025.
  • No further committee actions, floor votes, or enacted provisions are recorded in the provided information.
  • Related prior-session bills suggest ongoing interest in universal or reduced-cost internet access as a policy goal.

Related Legislation

  • A 10475, A 2219, A 1116 (prior sessions): Indicate a pattern of similar proposals seeking expanded or zero-cost internet access in municipalities.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Economic: Could impose new cost obligations on internet providers; questions about funding mechanisms (government subsidies, rate adjustments, or other cost-sharing) are not specified here.
  • Access and Digital Equity: Aims to improve internet access for residents, potentially supporting education, employment, and civic participation.
  • Implementation: Requires defining terms like “basic internet,” eligibility, service quality, and compliance methods; enforcement mechanisms would be critical to effectiveness.
  • Legal and Regulatory: May require changes to existing franchise agreements, municipal regulations, or state telecommunications policy.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

  • Review the full text of A 5044 to understand definitions, obligations, timelines, and enforcement provisions.
  • Monitor committee hearings and amendments in the Corporation, Authorities and Commissions committee.
  • Consider implications for providers, municipalities, and residents, including funding or cost-shift mechanisms if applicable.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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