CT HB05408

Effective January 1, 2025, state executive branch agencies must spend at least 50% of annual print and digital advertising budgets with in-state news publishers that have been producing original news content for at least 12 months.

A publisher's principal place of business is deemed to be its parent company's location if the parent is located outside Connecticut.

State agencies may request waivers from the Commissioner of Administrative Services if complying with the 50% requirement would interfere with the advertising's purpose, and must clearly document reasons for the waiver request.

The requirement does not apply to out-of-state tourism, economic development, or employee recruitment advertising.

The Commissioner of Administrative Services must establish guidelines by December 1, 2024, require annual reporting from agencies starting December 1, 2025, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly's government administration committee starting February 1, 2026, detailing spending, waiver requests, and waiver approvals or denials.