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Bill

A 4677

Establishes advertisement set-asides for eligible local news organizations.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 13 co-sponsors

The bill requires state agencies to spend at least 30% of advertising on eligible local news organizations to strengthen local journalism while ensuring transparency.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4677

Summary of Assembly Bill A-4677 (Session 222) – New Jersey

What the bill aims to do

A-4677 establishes advertisement set-asides that require State agencies to allocate a portion of their advertising expenditures to eligible local news organizations. The core goal is to bolster local journalism by directing public advertising dollars to trusted, community-focused news outlets while preserving editorial independence.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definition of eligible local news organization. The bill creates criteria for what counts as an eligible local news organization, including:

    • Local reporting staff or equivalent, producing content about matters of public interest.
    • A local presence in New Jersey (staffing requirements or audience in-state).
    • Specific publication formats (print or digital) with thresholds for local content, audience, and frequency.
    • Transparency measures such as disclosure of ownership, a public editorial policy for error correction, and compliance with media liability insurance requirements.
    • Limits on political contributions/527 groups and certain 501(c)(4)-(c)(6) affiliations.
    • Operational history (at least two years) and other safeguards to ensure local, independent, and credible reporting.

  • Advertising set-aside requirements (Section 3).

    • Starting in the next fiscal year, every State agency that must advertise bid solicitations must allocate at least 30% of its total advertising spending to eligible local news organizations.
    • If an agency demonstrates a need to spend less than 30% in-state, at least 50% of that in-state spend must go to eligible local news organizations.
    • Agencies may seek exemptions from these requirements if placement in eligible local news publications does not serve the advertising purposes.

  • Administration and accountability.

    • Agencies may consult with third-party organizations to ensure compliance.
    • The Department of the Treasury can reject exemption requests if an in-state alternative in eligible local news organizations would be as effective.
    • Agencies must not discriminate among eligible local news organizations based on editorial content, unless content is relevant to the advertised purpose.

  • New Jersey Civic Information Consortium role (Section 4).

    • The Consortium must create and maintain a list of eligible local news organizations.
    • The Treasury Department must publish eligibility criteria on its website within three months of enactment.

  • Advertising disclosures (Section 5).

    • Advertising or marketing agencies contracting with the State must report total advertising spending quarterly.
    • Starting one year after enactment, agencies must report:
    • Advertising spending by media type.
    • Spending with eligible local news organizations.
    • Specific recipients and contract amounts.
    • Treasury must publish a cumulative annual report within two years, detailing the eligible list and all advertising expenditures, including recipients and contract amounts.

  • Governing structure for the Civic Information Consortium (Section 6, amending P.L.2018, c.111).

    • Revisions to the board composition and terms, emphasizing expertise in journalism, media, and technology, and ensuring broad representation.

  • Effective date. The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies. Required to allocate a minimum share of advertising spend to eligible local news organizations (with possible exemptions).
  • Advertising/marketing agencies. Must report contract and spending data to State agencies and, later, to the Treasury.
  • Eligible local news organizations. Stand to receive a portion of public advertising revenue, potentially increasing revenue and visibility.
  • New Jersey Civic Information Consortium. Responsible for maintaining the eligibility list and supporting implementation.
  • Treasury Department. Responsible for transparency reporting and annual cumulative disclosures.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Definitions and eligibility criteria would be published within three months of enactment.
  • The set-aside begins in the fiscal year immediately following enactment.
  • Annual and multi-year reporting requirements commence one year after enactment, with cumulative reports due within two years.

This bill aims to strengthen local journalism by ensuring public advertising dollars support eligible local news organizations while safeguarding editorial independence and increasing transparency around state advertising practices.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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