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NJ S1238

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Linda Greenstein

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • CATV (cable television) companies applying for or renewing municipal franchises must provide free Internet service and necessary equipment (routers, etc.) to at least one public library in the municipality served.

  • CATV companies applying for or renewing system-wide franchises must provide free Internet service and equipment to all municipal buildings, including fire stations, public schools, police stations, and public libraries.

  • Public libraries receiving free service must be provided business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to the library's needs.

  • Requirements apply to new or renewed franchise agreements issued or approved by the Board of Public Utilities after the bill's effective date.

  • Bill amends P.L.1972, c.186 (C.48:5A-28) governing CATV franchise application requirements in New Jersey.

Legislative Description

Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

Economic Growth

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Economic Growth1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available