CA AB323

Extends the exemption for newspaper carriers and newspaper distributors from the ABC employment test until January 1, 2022, and removes the requirement that carriers work under contract with a publisher or distributor.

Requires the Department of General Services to publish an annual report by July 1 each year detailing state agency spending on marketing and outreach advertising, disaggregated by media platform and targeted communities (ethnic minorities and LGBTQIA populations).

Makes the advertising reporting requirements inoperative on July 1, 2023, and repeals them effective January 1, 2024.

Coordinates with Assembly Bill 2257 to ensure consistent application of independent contractor exemptions across Labor Code sections 2750.3 and 2783.

Declares the Legislature's intent to support journalism and local news organizations facing financial hardship due to declining advertising revenues and increased distribution costs.