One-half of an agency's advertising expenses required to be paid to local news organizations.

HF 2609 requires Minnesota state agencies to spend at least 50% of their advertising budgets on local news organizations starting July 1, 2025. It directly affects all state agencies (excluding Minnesota State Colleges) by mandating that advertising aimed at Minnesotans must be partially paid to qualifying local news outlets. To qualify, news organizations must primarily serve Minnesota communities, employ Minnesota-based journalists, and maintain a local office. Agencies must also report annually by February 1 on their advertising spending breakdown, including how much went to local news organizations and newspapers.