MD HB1119

State government units must structure procurement to direct 50% of their total print and digital advertising contract dollars to local news organizations

Local news organizations must employ at least one full-time staff member dedicated to Maryland coverage who resides in Maryland or within 50 miles

Print publications must publish monthly with either a U.S. Postal Service periodical permit or at least 25% local news content; digital-only outlets must publish weekly about Maryland events with at least 33% Maryland-based audience

Organizations receiving more than 50% of gross receipts from political organizations (527s) or certain 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) nonprofits are excluded from the definition

Exemptions apply to advertising published outside Maryland for tourism promotion or employee recruitment; effective date is October 1, 2025