The Maryland General Assembly has passed the Local News for Maryland Communities Act of 2026 (SB 459), establishing a first-in-the-nation, revenue-neutral model to strengthen and sustain local news organizations across the state.
The legislation requires Maryland state agencies to prioritize local news organizations for at least 50 percent of their advertising spending, ensuring public dollars are reinvested in Maryland’s local information ecosystem. The policy applies broadly to print, digital and broadcast outlets, recognizing the full range of platforms that serve Maryland communities.
