With the legislative session now over and Governor Newsom completing making his way through about 1,200 bills to sign or veto, the California News Publishers Association (CNPA) is excited to share a favorable outcome on a key piece of legislation that further supports the health and longevity of news publishers and communities across the state.
In 2021, the legislature passed AB 1506 (Kalra) that provided a three-year exemption to AB 5, preserving the Independent Contractor status of newspaper carriers/delivery. AB 1506 followed two consecutive bills exempting newspaper carriers. This year, AB 224 (Rubio) has been passed and signed into law, providing a five-year extension of the AB 5 exemption for newspaper carriers. This allows for flexibility, while also giving newspapers the time to continue to transition and continue to reach all those who still depend on print and preserve jobs for journalists, editors and news production workers.
“CNPA wants to recognize and thank our author on this critical piece of legislation, Assemblymember Rubio, along with the legislature and Governor Newsom for seeing the importance and urgency of this bill,” said Charles Ford Champion II, president and CEO of the California News Publishers Association. “News publishers across California are working hard to sustain their businesses, retain journalists and serve their communities with daily news. Both bills further the preservation efforts statewide of our vital industry, ensuring the preservation of democracy in these critical times.”
CNPA remains committed to the protection and promotion of adjudicated newspapers across California, while ensuring that the more than 10 million Californians who rely on home-delivered print newspapers or their e-editions for news remains intact and viable into the future for all communities including ethnic, minority, elderly and rural populations.
About CNPA:
CNPA represents hundreds of publications throughout the state of California and has been established since 1888. For years, the California News Publishers Association has protected the interests of newspapers through member services, a legal helpline for members, and legislative advocacy on behalf of the industry — from the smallest weekly to the largest metropolitan daily. To learn more, visit: https://cnpa.com/
