N.Y. Senate Panel Advances Bill for Wi-Fi in Shelters

New York state Democrats supported a bill Tuesday to provide internet access to people in temporary housing. The Senate Social Services Committee cleared the bill (S-4561) on a partisan vote so that it can receive a vote on the Senate floor. The committee's two Republicans were less enthusiastic about the measure, which would require that shelters provide strong Wi-Fi in common and private areas and conspicuously display passwords if required: Dean Murray voted no and Alexis Weik voted “aye without recommendation.” The Senate last year approved the bill by Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D), but it failed in the other chamber.