NY A08185

Authorizes two or more contiguous municipalities (counties, cities, towns, or villages) to form broadband union districts as corporate entities to build, maintain, and operate broadband infrastructure and provide internet services to residents

Establishes governance through a board with one representative per member municipality serving 3-year terms, requiring quarterly meetings subject to open meetings and freedom of information laws

Grants districts power to issue bonds, enter contracts and public-private partnerships, acquire property through eminent domain, set service rates, and hire staff, but prohibits levying taxes or special assessments on property owners

Requires districts to ensure taxpayers do not bear losses from broadband services, with all obligations payable solely from district revenues and assets rather than municipal credit or taxing power

Sets withdrawal requirements including 5-year minimum membership, 1-year notice, unanimous board approval, and potential compensation for infrastructure investments; dissolution requires unanimous vote and full debt payment before distributing remaining assets by population