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AB 155

Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development: California Civic Media Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session

AB 155 establishes the California Civic Media Program with $10 million to support local journalism, enhance public access to information, and promote civic engagement.

Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Grayson.
#californiacivicmediaprogram #governor'sofficeofbusinessandeconomicdevelopment
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Bill Summary · AB 155

Summary of AB 155: California Civic Media Program

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: AB 155
  • Title: Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development: California Civic Media Program
  • Status: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Grayson
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill, Appropriation
  • Subject: California Civic Media Program, Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development

Purpose and Intent

AB 155 aims to establish the California Civic Media Program under the administration of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). The primary goals of the program include:
- Supporting a robust California press corps.
- Enhancing public access to information about communities and government.
- Ensuring the sustainability of online publications, particularly those focused on community journalism.
- Supporting news organizations that serve underserved and underrepresented communities.
- Promoting civic engagement and addressing inequalities in journalism.

Key Provisions

  1. California Civic Media Fund:

    • A continuously appropriated fund created to support the program.
    • An appropriation of $10 million from the General Fund to be deposited into this fund.

  2. Advisory Board:

    • A nine-person advisory board will be established to provide recommendations on the allocation of private funds.
    • Membership includes representatives from various media organizations and community groups.

  3. Expenditure Restrictions:

    • Public funds allocated from the California Civic Media Fund cannot exceed the total amount of private funds expended in any fiscal year.
    • A maximum of 7.5% of the fund may be used for administrative purposes.

  4. Funding Sources:

    • The fund can accept contributions from private sources, including both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
    • Public moneys will be accounted for separately from private contributions.

Impact

The implementation of AB 155 is expected to:
- Strengthen local journalism and support community-focused news outlets.
- Enhance the quality and accessibility of information available to Californians.
- Foster greater civic engagement and social integration through informed journalism.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill is classified as an appropriation bill and is intended to take effect immediately upon passage.
  • It has undergone several legislative actions, including readings, committee referrals, and amendments, but was ultimately ordered to the inactive file on September 13, 2025.

Conclusion

AB 155 represents a significant effort by the California legislature to bolster the state's media landscape and ensure that journalism continues to play a vital role in democracy. By establishing the California Civic Media Program and providing financial support, the bill aims to enhance public access to information and support diverse voices in the media.

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

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