The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey bill requires cable companies to provide business-grade Internet bandwidth to public libraries
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities CommitteeSponsor: Wayne DeAngelo
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What This Bill Would Do
Cable television companies operating under a in New Jersey must provide free Internet service to public libraries with business-class bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to the library's needs.
Public libraries rely on robust internet connectivity to serve community members, and this measure shifts the responsibility for higher-capacity business-grade service costs onto franchise cable providers.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
public libraries
Public libraries receive free Internet service with business customer class bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to their needs.
cable television companies
Cable companies with system-wide franchises must furnish and maintain business-class Internet service to public libraries without charge.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which libraries are covered by this requirement?
Will public libraries have to pay for this upgraded internet service?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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