HB 5159 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT FUNDING JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIPS FOR GRADUATES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

HB 5159 creates a state-funded program to support journalism careers by providing at least 12 annual fellowships for recent graduates of in-state public university journalism programs. The fellowships, administered through a student journalism collaborative, require participation at local news organizations (as defined in state law) and include mandatory mentorship, hands-on work experience, and professional networking. Eligible applicants must graduate from a public higher education journalism program in the state and secure approval from the hosting news organization. The program must post all details - including funding amounts, requirements, and application forms - online by September 1, 2026, with funding starting July 1, 2026.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Last action Feb 26, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → HED Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was converted from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' reflecting a favorable change by the House of Delegates and Senate. The primary substantive change shifts responsibility for the journalism fellowship program from the Office of Higher Education to the Office of Policy and Management, which must now coordinate with a student journalism collaborative to establish the program.

Scope change

The scope of the bill changed from requiring the Office of Higher Education to directly establish and fund the program to requiring the Office of Policy and Management to enter a memorandum of understanding with a student journalism collaborative to establish the program.

SCOPE

Responsibility for establishing the journalism fellowship program shifted from the Office of Higher Education to the Office of Policy and Management.

REQUIREMENT

The mechanism for establishing the program changed from a direct office action to entering into a memorandum of understanding with a student journalism collaborative.

New requirements were added to the memorandum of understanding, including a specific mandate that fellows must interview with and be approved by the local news organization providing the fellowship.

TECHNICAL

The text was reorganized to align with the new collaborative structure, adding specific items to the list of requirements the memorandum must specify.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 24, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference APP

lower

Feb 11, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Higher Education and Employment Advancement

lower

4 primary · 0 co-sponsors