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CA AB2222
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/19/2026
Primary Sponsor
Chris Ward
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a tax credit for local news organizations of $20,000 per journalist for the first 5 employees and $15,000 for each additional journalist, plus an extra $15,000 for each newly created journalism position
- Applies to taxable years from January 1, 2027 through January 1, 2032, with the credit provisions set to be repealed December 1, 2032
- Qualifying journalists must work full-time (30+ hours/week), earn at least $35,000 annually, and reside within 50 miles of the news organization's coverage area
- Eligible news organizations include digital outlets, broadcast stations, and print publications with at least 33% California audience/distribution; they must carry media liability insurance and publicly disclose ownership
- Organizations controlled by political action committees or 501(c)(4) groups, or receiving more than 15% of revenue from such entities, are disqualified from claiming the credit
Legislative Description
Personal Income Tax Law and Corporation Tax Law: credits: local news organizations.
Last Action
Re-referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.
3/10/2026
Committee Referrals
Revenue and Taxation3/9/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available