Bill > H0244

This bill proposes to require the Vermont Commissioner of Buildings and General Services to contract with local news and broadcast organizations for at least 70 percent of the state's annual advertising services across print, digital, radio, and television platforms. A "local news organization" is defined with specific criteria, including having full-time employees dedicated to local news coverage, publishing regularly (either in print or online), disclosing ownership, and maintaining editorial independence from political action committees. The bill excludes tourism and job-related advertisements from these requirements and mandates that the Commissioner maintain a list of qualifying local organizations. Additionally, the Commissioner must submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the state's advertising expenditures, including the amounts spent and the recipients of those funds. The new requirements will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aim to support local media organizations by directing a significant portion of state advertising spending to local entities.