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S 5703

Requires utility companies to report on utility poles and remove unused utility poles in the public right-of-way

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Skoufis

Requires utilities to report poles in public rights of way and remove unused ones, boosting ROW safety, reducing street clutter, and aiding planning for towns and travelers.

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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Bill Summary · S 5703

Summary of S.5703 (New York)

Overview

S.5703, introduced February 28, 2025, is a bill that would require utility companies to report on utility poles and to remove unused utility poles located in the public right-of-way (ROW). The bill is currently referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. James Skoufis is listed as the primary sponsor. A companion bill exists in the Assembly (A.5037), with a prior-session Senate bill (S.9655) noted in related legislation.

Purpose and Intent

  • Promote greater transparency and accountability regarding utility infrastructure within the public ROW.
  • Ensure unused or unnecessary poles are removed, reducing street clutter, potential safety hazards, and impediments to ROW management and future infrastructure projects.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

  • Reporting obligation: Utility companies would be required to report information related to utility poles located in the public ROW. The summary does not specify exact data elements, formats, or reporting deadlines.
  • Pole removal obligation: Utility companies would be required to remove unused utility poles within the ROW.
  • Compliance framework: The summary does not provide details on enforcement, penalties, or timelines for compliance.

Who Is Affected

  • Utility companies operating within the state that own, install, or maintain poles in the public ROW.
  • Municipalities and local governments that oversee public ROW management and permitting.
  • Public travelers and residents who benefit from clearer ROW, potentially improved safety, and reduced infrastructure clutter.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee.
  • Actions to date: Both the initial committee referral date (2025-02-28) and a duplicate listing for that same action are shown.
  • Next steps: The bill would proceed through committee consideration, possible amendments, and potential floor votes in the Senate. If advanced, it could move to the Assembly (or vice versa, depending on the legislative process for the companion and cross-referenced measures).

Related Legislation

  • A companion bill in the Assembly: A.5037.
  • Related/prior-session Senate measure: S.9655.
  • The presence of a companion and prior-session bill suggests ongoing interest in reforming pole reporting and removal of unused poles.

Potential Impact

  • Safety and ROW management: Clearer ROW could reduce hazards and improve maintenance efficiency for utilities and local agencies.
  • Infrastructure planning: Better data on pole locations and statuses could inform future projects and right-of-way planning.
  • Costs: Utilities may incur costs associated with reporting requirements and pole removal; potential savings from reduced maintenance and clutter.

Notes for Stakeholders

  • Monitor updates from the Energy and Telecommunications Committee for amendments, fiscal notes, and eventual floor action.
  • Interested parties may review the companion Assembly bill (A.5037) for alignment and to anticipate similar provisions in the other chamber.

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

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