Maryland
Governor vetoes advertising bill benefiting Maryland news outlets
MARYLAND (WBFF) — Gov. Wes Moore vetoed a bill that was backed by Maryland press organizations that sought to steer more state advertising dollars to local news outlets.
The Local News for Maryland Communities Act of 2026, also known as Senate Bill 459, would have established a goal for state agencies to spend at least 50% of their advertising budgets with Maryland news organizations. The measure exempted campaigns aimed at out-of-state audiences, including tourism and recruitment advertising.
The bill’s third reader passed the General Assembly’s Senate unanimously both times and went 129-7 in the House of Delegates.
Supporters said the bill would provide financial support to local journalism without requiring additional state spending. They also argued it could serve as a model for other states looking to bolster local media.
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Read the full story on the Baltimore Sun.