CT SB01230

State agencies must contract with Connecticut-based news publishers for at least 15% of their annual print and digital advertising spending, effective July 1, 2026

Publishers owned by out-of-state parent companies are not considered Connecticut-based for purposes of this requirement

Agencies may request waivers from the Commissioner of Administrative Services if the requirement would interfere with advertising purposes; exemptions apply to advertising directed at out-of-state audiences (tourism, economic development, recruitment)

Commissioner of Administrative Services must establish contract guidelines by June 1, 2026, and may accept volunteer assistance from higher education institutions

Annual reporting required: agencies must submit advertising summaries by December 1 each year, and the Commissioner must report to the General Assembly by February 1 on spending, waivers granted, and denials