Provides that all equipment used for the transmission and switching of radio signals for the provision of commercial mobile radio service or mobile internet access service no longer constitutes real property subject to the real property tax law.
Summary
Bill S02177, known as the 'Broadband Investment Tax Stabilization (BITS) Act', aims to amend the real property tax law to clarify that certain telecommunications equipment, specifically that used for the transmission and switching of electromagnetic signals, is not considered real property for tax purposes. This legislation seeks to address a previous court decision that misinterpreted existing laws regarding the taxation of such equipment. The bill specifies that equipment owned by entities other than telephone companies will not be subject to real property taxes, thereby promoting investment in broadband infrastructure.
Impact
The passage of this bill would significantly alter the tax landscape for telecommunications companies operating in New York. By exempting specific types of equipment from real property tax, the legislation is expected to encourage investment in broadband services and infrastructure development. This change could lead to increased competition in the telecommunications market, potentially improving service availability and quality for consumers across the state.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill S02177 appears to be positive, as evidenced by the voting history, where it passed with a significant majority in both the Senate Local Government Committee and the Senate Floor Vote. Supporters argue that the bill will facilitate greater investment in broadband technology, while opponents express concerns about the potential loss of tax revenue for local governments.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns raised by local government representatives regarding the potential loss of tax revenue that could result from exempting telecommunications equipment from real property taxes. Some legislators worry that this could negatively impact funding for local services. In contrast, proponents of the bill argue that the long-term benefits of increased broadband investment will outweigh the short-term fiscal impacts.
Same As
Provides that all equipment used for the transmission and switching of radio signals for the provision of commercial mobile radio service or mobile internet access service no longer constitutes real property subject to the real property tax law.
Provides that all equipment used for the transmission and switching of radio signals for the provision of commercial mobile radio service or mobile internet access service no longer constitutes real property subject to the real property tax law.
Provides that all equipment used for the transmission and switching of radio signals for the provision of commercial mobile radio service or mobile internet access service no longer constitutes real property subject to the real property tax law.
Establishing the property tax use value for residential real property, real property used for commercial and industrial purposes and mobile homes used for residential purposes.
Relating to sales and use tax rates and refunds for certain tangible personal property used to provide cable television services, Internet access services, or telecommunications services; reducing the rate of the state sales and use tax applicable to certain taxable items.
Restricting residential homestead property taxes to not more than the established base of property taxes owed for individuals 65 years of age and older and eliminating the property tax exemption for certain commercial properties used for healthcare when in competition with other non-exempt properties.
Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to value residential real property, commercial and industrial real property and mobile homes personal property based on the fair market value or average fair market value and providing that the legislature may provide by law for the freezing of property tax valuations for owner-occupied residential property of qualifying seniors.
Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to limit property tax valuation increases for real property and personal property mobile homes.
Relating to sales and use tax exemptions and refunds for certain tangible personal property used to provide cable television services, Internet access services, or telecommunications services.