Includes broadband access in the scoring and ranking criteria of the New York State low-income housing tax credit program.
Summary
This bill amends the Public Housing Law to require the commissioner, when establishing scoring and ranking criteria for the New York State low-income housing tax credit program, to give preference to projects that commit to using end-to-end fiber-optic architecture for broadband delivery. In practical terms, it adds broadband infrastructure quality as a factor in evaluating affordable housing tax credit applications.
The measure is narrowly focused on the state’s low-income housing tax credit program and does not create a general statewide broadband mandate. Instead, it changes how housing development applications are evaluated by embedding broadband readiness, specifically fiber-optic capability, into the project selection process. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.
Impact
The bill would amend section 25 of the Public Housing Law, directing the commissioner to include a broadband-related preference in any project scoring and ranking criteria used to administer the low-income housing tax credit program. This would affect developers and applicants seeking state housing tax credits, encouraging them to incorporate end-to-end fiber-optic broadband infrastructure into affordable housing projects. It would also influence how the state evaluates and prioritizes tax credit applications, potentially shaping future affordable housing design and connectivity standards.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented debate or recorded opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears policy-oriented and supportive of expanding broadband access in affordable housing, with an emphasis on modern infrastructure rather than controversy. The overall framing suggests a positive or constructive intent toward housing quality and digital access.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if raised, would likely concern whether broadband infrastructure should be a scoring preference in a housing tax credit program, whether end-to-end fiber-optic architecture is too prescriptive or costly for developers, and whether the state should prioritize this feature over other affordability or housing-quality criteria. However, none of these concerns are reflected in the supplied transcripts or votes.
Establishes the affordable housing broadband assistance grant program within the division of broadband access to support no-cost and/or discounted subscriptions for households receiving federal, state, or local housing assistance or residing in housing units designated for low-income and/or vulnerable populations.
Includes positive rental payment information reporting as a preference in the evaluation of project applications in the New York state low income housing tax credit program; requires landlords to offer tenants the option of positive rental payment information reporting; creates notice requirements for the election of positive rental payment information reporting.