Bill
B 26-0314
Funds local DC news outlets to support local journalism and improve residents' access to community information.
Overview
- Bill number and title: B 26-0314, Local News Funding Act of 2025
- Status: Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0314 published in the District of Columbia Register
- Introduced: July 3, 2025
- Primary sponsor: Councilmember Lewis George
- Current legislative path: Referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development, and the Committee of the Whole (July 14, 2025); Notice of Intent to Act published (July 18, 2025)
What the bill would do (purpose and intent)
- The bill, by its title, is intended to create or authorize funding for local news in the District of Columbia. The available information establishes the goal of supporting local journalism and access to locally relevant information for DC residents. The exact mechanisms, eligibility criteria, funding levels, and governance requirements are not provided in the available material.
Key provisions (status note)
- Specific provisions, including funding sources (e.g., budgetary appropriations, dedicated fund, grants), eligibility for recipients (e.g., local news outlets, nonprofit newsrooms, digital platforms), allowable uses of funds, oversight, reporting, and accountability measures, are not included in the summary of the provided materials.
- Because the bill’s text is not included here, the precise operational details and any regulatory requirements remain to be seen in the published bill language and subsequent amendments.
Who would be affected
- Local news organizations and journalists in the District of Columbia seeking funding or support under the act.
- District residents who rely on local news for information about government, services, and community matters.
- The DC government and its agencies responsible for administering the funding program, reporting on distribution and outcomes, and ensuring compliance.
- Potentially, other stakeholders in the media sector (e.g., associations, educational institutions) that interact with local news funding programs.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced: July 3, 2025
- Referral: July 14, 2025 (Committee on Business and Economic Development; Committee of the Whole)
- Notice of Intent to Act: July 18, 2025
- Next steps likely include committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration by the Council, followed by adoption or failure to act within the Council’s legislative calendar.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Potential benefits: Support for local journalism, improved access to local information, and enhanced transparency in how local news is funded and distributed.
- Considerations to monitor: Funding sustainability, governance and independence of recipient outlets, accountability and reporting requirements, and the balance of support across diverse local news organizations.
Next steps for readers
- Review the official bill text and any supporting materials released by the DC Council to understand specific provisions, eligibility, funding levels, and governance.
- Track committee hearings and Council actions for updates on amendments and final passage.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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