California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2222, creating refundable tax credits beginning in 2027 for local news organizations that hire and retain journalists.
The bill, authored by Assemblymembers Christopher Ward and Buffy Wicks, is designed to support both existing newsroom jobs and new journalism positions. The credits apply to digital, broadcast, and print news organizations that meet certain requirements.
Qualifying organizations must maintain editorial standards, including publicly displaying an error-correction and clarification policy. Organizations controlled by political entities or social-welfare organizations are excluded from eligibility. The tax credits apply to taxable years beginning Jan. 1, 2027, through Jan. 1, 2032.
"A free press isn't supposed to make government comfortable," Newsom said. "It's supposed to make government accountable."