Local News Funding Act of 2025
The Local News Funding Act of 2025 creates a system where District of Columbia registered voters receive five "news coupons" each to allocate online to local news outlets they support. Eligible outlets - such as newspapers, radio stations, podcasts, or digital platforms - must register with the Community Journalism Board, provide free local news, distinguish news from advertising, and disclose ownership. The program is funded by 0.1% of the District’s general fund budget (about $11.6 million annually), distributing grants based on voter allocations. The Community Journalism Board also administers the program and offers development grants for training and technical support to participating outlets.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jul 3, 2025
Last action Mar 3, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
3
Mar 3, 2026
Committee
Re-Referred to Committee on Human Services, and Committee of the Whole
legislature
Feb 27, 2026
Committee
Re-Referral published.
legislature
Jul 14, 2025
Committee
Referred to Committee on Business and Economic Development, and Committee of the Whole
legislature
Jul 3, 2025
Introduced
B26-0314 Introduced by Councilmember Lewis George at Office of the Secretary
legislature
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Janeese Lewis George
DDemocratic
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