Bill > HB2048

This bill establishes the Pennsylvania Civic Information Consortium, a new independent, nonpartisan, and publicly funded nonprofit organization, to address the decline of local news and the resulting "civic emergency" in Pennsylvania, where many communities have become "news deserts" lacking essential public-interest journalism. The Consortium will administer a competitive grant program to support local journalism and civic information projects, with a particular focus on underserved populations and diverse media models, aiming to improve government performance, civic engagement, and community trust. The bill outlines the Consortium's duties, including awarding grants, promoting editorial independence, establishing partnerships, and developing a long-term funding strategy, potentially including fees on large digital advertising firms. It also details the governance structure, with a 15-member board appointed through a merit-based process to ensure diverse expertise and perspectives, and emphasizes public access to records and transparent operations, requiring meetings to be held in accordance with open meeting laws. The Consortium will operate independently from state executive agencies, though it may contract with a "host institution" like the State Library System or a university for administrative services, with strict safeguards to prevent any influence on grant decisions or content.

Business and Industry

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2048