The governor signed Assembly Bill 2222, creating refundable tax credits to help qualifying local news organizations hire and retain journalists, the governor’s office said.
Under the law, the office said credits are tied to the employment of qualifying California journalists and may be claimed by local digital, broadcast and print outlets that meet certain requirements; the credit is designed to support existing full‑time and part‑time newsroom jobs and to provide additional support for new reporting positions.
The law requires qualifying organizations to maintain editorial standards and to publicly display an error‑correction and clarification policy; organizations controlled by political organizations or social‑welfare entities are excluded from eligibility.
The tax credit applies to taxable years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2027 and before Jan. 1, 2032.
The governor’s office framed the measure as a way to preserve coverage of local institutions such as schools, city halls, courts and public safety agencies; newsrooms that meet the rules can begin claiming credits in the 2027 tax year.
The signing took place in the governor’s office with members of the Capitol Press Corps present; the release cited recent White House actions that barred certain reporters and said a federal judge temporarily restored those credentials while news organizations continue legal challenges.
Governor said, "A free press isn’t supposed to make government comfortable. It’s supposed to make government accountable."
State
Gavin Newsom
Governor · Democrat
Named 2 times in this story.
Portrait: Official portrait
Sources & methodology
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