Bill > SB0213

This bill, known as the Government Advertising Spending Transparency Act, aims to increase transparency around government advertising spending in Illinois by requiring state agencies and departments to submit detailed annual reports about their advertising expenditures. Starting October 1, 2026, and each October 1st thereafter, agencies must report and publicly post comprehensive information about their advertising spending, including the total amount spent, names of advertising vendors, contract amounts, types of media platforms used (such as local news outlets, digital platforms, and search platforms), and the general subject matter of advertisements (like public health or job training). The bill acknowledges the critical role of local news in communities, noting the significant decline in newspaper advertising and reporting staff since 2000, and seeks to provide insight into how government advertising dollars are distributed. If a vendor places advertisements on behalf of a state agency, the agency must make a good faith effort to collect detailed information about the advertising placement to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements. The underlying motivation is to promote transparency, support local news outlets, and inform the public about government communication strategies.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=213&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104