Maryland2026Active
HB0043
Local Newspapers for Maryland Communities Act of 2026
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:24 AM
In one sentence
This law sets a goal for state government units to spend at least half of their print and digital advertising budget directly with qualified local news organizations.
What it does
- Sets an overall goal for state agencies to direct 50% of the dollar value of their print and digital ad contracts to local news organizations.
- Defines a 'local news organization' as one that uses professional staff to create original content about public interest matters.
- Requires at least one full-time employee who lives in Maryland or within 50 miles and covers events in Maryland.
- For print publications, requires monthly issues over the past year plus either a U.S. Postal Service permit or at least 25% local news content.
- For digital-only sites, requires weekly posts about Maryland events for the past year and an audience that is at least 33% located in Maryland on average.
- Requires organizations to disclose their beneficial owners or board of directors (if nonprofit) publicly.
- Excludes nonprofits with tax status under Section 501(c)(4), (c)(5), or (c)(6) unless they declare local news coverage as their mission, and excludes entities getting more than half their income from political organizations.
Who it affects
- Units of Maryland state government that buy print or digital advertising.
- Local news organizations in print or digital formats seeking contracts with the state.
- Organizations receiving over 50% of revenue from specific political groups or certain nonprofit tax statuses are excluded.
Limits and unknowns
- The law does not apply to ads published outside Maryland for tourism or employee recruitment.
- The text sets a goal of 50% spending but does not list specific penalties if an agency fails to reach this number.
- Details on how agencies will track and report their progress are not included in the provided excerpt.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Unit of State government
- Any agency, department, or office within Maryland's state government system subject to this law.
- Local news organization
- An entity that meets specific rules about staff location, content frequency, ownership disclosure, and funding sources to qualify for state ad contracts.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Requiring units of State government to ensure that at least 50% of the unit's total dollar value of procurement contracts for print and digital advertising is being made directly to local news organizations.
Official activity
Bill history
- In the House - Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.