CivicKnodeCivicKnowA project of CivicKnode
Sign in
Bills/2026 Regular Session

SB 459

Passed both chambersCrossfile HB 43
Add to calendar

Procurement - Advertising - Maryland News Organizations (Local News for Maryland Communities Act of 2026)

Sponsor: Jim Rosapepe (District 21)Committee: Budget and TaxationSubject: State ProcurementStatus: In the Senate - Motion Postpone Indefinitely (Senator King) Adopted (as of Sep 4, 2026)

What this bill does

Official synopsis

Requiring units of State government to ensure that at least 50% of the unit's total dollar value of procurement contracts for advertising is being made directly to Maryland news organizations; requiring units of State Government to prioritize the use of Maryland news organizations that have a primary mission of reporting on and serving underserved communities; and authorizing a unit of State government to consult with a third-party non-profit organization to prepare and maintain a list of eligible local news organizations.

AI analysis is off. Set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY to enable summaries, pros and cons, and questions.

Analysis reads the bill text, the fiscal note, and the witness list. It is generated by Claude and reviewed by nobody, so check the source documents before you rely on it.

Testimony (18)

MGA witness list
FAV 13FavorableFWA 2Favorable with amendmentsUNF 1UnfavorableINFO 2Information only
PositionWitnessOrganizationTestimony
FAVBelew, DavidBaltimore Public MediaOral + Written (PDF)
FAVCost, PearsonBrooks Pierce LLP / Maryland-DC-Delaware Broadcasters AssociationWritten (PDF)
FAVNelson, TimothyBrooks Pierce LLP / Maryland-DC-Delaware Broadcasters AssociationOral + Written (PDF)
FAVWilson, GeordieFrederick News-PostOral + Written (PDF)
FAVPlante, CeciliaMaryland Legislative CoalitionWritten (PDF)
FAVPlante, CeciliaMaryland Legislative CoalitionWritten (PDF)
FAVHenson, LoriRebuild Local NewsOral + Written (PDF)
FAVMcNair, LeeUnitarian Universalist Environmental Justice MinistryPosition only
FAVMcLaughlin, JimWashington PostOral + Written (PDF)
FAVSenator Rosapepe, Senator RosapepelegislatorIndividualOral
FAVSenator Rosapepe, Senator RosapepelegislatorIndividualOral
FAVSnyder, RebeccalobbyistIndividualOral + Written (PDF)
FAVSnyder, RebeccalobbyistIndividualWritten (PDF)
UNF(MD), State of MarylandIndividualWritten (PDF)
FWACross, Dr Cashenna ACouncilwoman At-Large, GlenardenWritten (PDF)
FWARosapepe, Senator JimIndividualWritten (PDF)
INFOWestervelt, PatriciaMaryland Department of TransportationWritten (PDF)
INFOWestervelt, PatriciaMaryland Department of TransportationWritten (PDF)

Organizations on record

Baltimore Public MediaFAV 1
Brooks Pierce LLP / Maryland-DC-Delaware Broadcasters AssociationFAV 2
Councilwoman At-Large, GlenardenFWA 1
Frederick News-PostFAV 1
Maryland Department of TransportationINFO 2
Maryland Legislative CoalitionFAV 2
Rebuild Local NewsFAV 1
Unitarian Universalist Environmental Justice MinistryFAV 1
Washington PostFAV 1

Registered lobbyists who testified

FAVSnyder, RebeccaRegistered for: MD/DC Press Association
FAVSnyder, RebeccaRegistered for: MD/DC Press Association