The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1230, aims to mandate that state agencies in the executive branch of Connecticut purchase at least fifty percent of their print and digital advertising from commercial or nonprofit publishers of news that are based in the state. This requirement will take effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to agencies procuring advertising, with specific guidelines to be established by the Commissioner of Administrative Services by December 1, 2025. The bill defines a "publisher of news" as an entity that has been producing original news content for at least twelve months and outlines the process for agencies to request waivers if compliance would interfere with the advertising's purpose.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that state agencies must report their advertising expenditures annually to the Commissioner of Administrative Services, starting December 1, 2026. The provisions do not apply to contracts for advertising related to out-of-state tourism, economic development, or employee recruitment. The Commissioner is also tasked with submitting an annual report to the General Assembly summarizing the advertising purchases and any waiver requests. The bill's intent is to support local news publishers and ensure that state advertising funds benefit in-state businesses.