summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT Relating to supporting local news journalism; reenacting 2 and amending RCW 43.79.195 and 82.04.299; and adding new sections to 3 chapter 43.330 RCW. 4
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Washington Local News Journalism Corps Program to support and sustain local journalism in the state. The legislation recognizes the critical role of journalism in democracy, noting that local news organizations have experienced significant economic challenges, with newspaper advertising decreasing by 66% and newsroom staff declining by 44% over the past decade. The program will provide grants to eligible news journalism providers (both traditional newspapers and digital platforms) that employ at least two to three news journalists in Washington state, with grant amounts proportional to the hours worked by journalists. To qualify, news organizations must create original local content, update their content regularly, have an editorial process for error correction, and focus on local or regional matters of public interest. Beginning in July 2026, $20 million annually will be allocated from the workforce education investment account to support this program. The bill emphasizes the importance of ethnic media and local journalism in keeping communities informed, promoting civic engagement, and addressing social inequalities. It also includes detailed definitions of eligible news providers, journalists, and publications, ensuring that the program supports genuine journalistic efforts across various media platforms.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (19)
Alex Ramel (D)*,
Liz Berry (D),
Julio Cortes (D),
Beth Doglio (D),
Darya Farivar (D),
Mary Fosse (D),
Roger Goodman (D),
Natasha Hill (D),
Sharlett Mena (D),
Lisa Parshley (D),
Dave Paul (D),
Strom Peterson (D),
Osman Salahuddin (D),
Shaun Scott (D),
Chris Stearns (D),
Monica Stonier (D),
Jamila Taylor (D),
My-Linh Thai (D),
Steve Tharinger (D),
Last Action
First reading, referred to Finance. (on 02/04/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
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State Bill Page | https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1836&Year=2025&Initiative=false |
BillText | https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1836.pdf |
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