CT
Connecticut House Bill HB06418

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB06418

Introduced
1/23/25  

Caption

An Act Requiring Disclosure Of Certain Sales Of Local News Organizations.

Impact

The implementation of this bill would impact state statutes related to business transactions within the media sector, reinforcing the importance of local control over news dissemination. By ensuring that local news organizations can only be transferred to entities incorporated in Connecticut, the bill seeks to support community interests and maintain local journalism. This approach could lead to greater accountability by new owners, as they must establish a corporate presence within the state and foster relationships with local stakeholders before any ownership transition occurs.

Summary

House Bill 06418 aims to establish a requirement for news organizations that primarily serve local communities in Connecticut regarding ownership changes. Specifically, the bill mandates that no owner of a local news organization can sell their entity to any organization not incorporated within the state unless they provide a 120-day advance notice. This initiative is designed to enhance community engagement and allow adequate time for employees and local members to adjust or respond to the impending changes in ownership, which may significantly impact local news coverage.

Contention

While the bill intends to protect the integrity of local news organizations, it may spark debate over the implications for ownership flexibility and market dynamics. Opponents might argue that such regulations could limit the ability of local news organizations to be sold to potentially beneficial buyers outside of Connecticut, thus hindering economic opportunities and investments from non-local entities that can provide added resources. Supporters, however, view the bill as a necessary safeguard against the loss of local voice and perspective in news coverage, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in media ownership decisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB01032

An Act Requiring Certain Financing Disclosures.

CT SB00015

An Act Requiring Fee Disclosures.

CT SB01058

An Act Concerning Charitable Organizations, Telecommunications And The Attorney General's Recommendations Regarding Consumer Protection.

CT SB00501

An Act Concerning Motor Vehicle Assessments For Property Taxation, Innovation Banks, The Interest On Certain Tax Underpayments, The Assessment On Insurers, School Building Projects, The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority Charter And Certain State Historic Preservation Officer Procedures.

CT SB00998

An Act Establishing A Tax Abatement For Certain Conservation Easements And Addressing Housing Affordability For Residents In The State.

CT HB05395

An Act Requiring Disclosure Of Mass Real Property Appraisal Methods.

CT HB05194

An Act Requiring A Study Of Community-based Bereavement And Grief Counseling Organizations And Services For Children And Families.

CT SB01022

An Act Requiring Police Officers To Inform Drivers Of The Purpose Of A Traffic Stop.

CT HB05142

An Act Concerning Consumer Credit, Certain Bank Real Estate Improvements, The Connecticut Uniform Securities Act, Shared Appreciation Agreements, Innovation Banks, The Community Bank And Community Credit Union Program And Technical Revisions To The Banking Statutes.

CT HB06854

An Act Concerning The Coordination Of Efforts To Address Food Insecurity And Establish Tax Incentives For The Location Of Grocery Stores In Food Deserts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.