New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01042

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Enacts the "local, community and ethnic media commitment act"; requires state agencies to publish certain information in local, community and ethnic media; defines local, community and ethnic media; requires the office of general services to develop and maintain a list of local, community and ethnic media outlets.

Summary

Bill A01042, known as the "local, community and ethnic media commitment act," mandates that New York state agencies allocate at least 50% of their annual print and digital advertising budgets to local, community, and ethnic media outlets by the year 2027. The bill aims to enhance communication between the state and its diverse population, ensuring that critical information about state services and programs reaches communities that may otherwise be underserved due to language or cultural barriers. It emphasizes the importance of local media in fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all residents, regardless of their background.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly alter how state agencies approach their advertising strategies, compelling them to prioritize local and ethnic media outlets. This change is expected to improve the dissemination of information to various communities, particularly those with high populations of non-English speakers and immigrants. By creating a list of approved media outlets and requiring transparency in advertising spending, the bill aims to ensure that state resources are effectively utilized to reach all New Yorkers, thereby promoting equity in access to state services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A01042 appears to be generally positive, as it aligns with the state's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step toward ensuring that all residents, particularly marginalized communities, have access to vital information. However, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting the advertising spending requirements and the potential impact on traditional media outlets that do not fall under the defined categories.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from agencies that are concerned about the practicality of reallocating advertising budgets to meet the 50% requirement for local and ethnic media. Some legislators and stakeholders may question whether sufficient local media outlets exist to absorb this increased spending, and whether the quality of information disseminated through these channels will meet state standards. Additionally, there may be debates about the definition of 'local, community and ethnic media' and the criteria for inclusion on the approved media list.

Companion Bills

NY S02129

Same As Enacts the "local, community and ethnic media commitment act"; requires state agencies to publish certain information in local, community and ethnic media; defines local, community and ethnic media; requires the office of general services to develop and maintain a list of local, community and ethnic media outlets.

Previously Filed As

NY S02129

Enacts the "local, community and ethnic media commitment act"; requires state agencies to publish certain information in local, community and ethnic media; defines local, community and ethnic media; requires the office of general services to develop and maintain a list of local, community and ethnic media outlets.

NY SB1358

News outlets: state expenditures on ethnic and community media outlets.

NY S02469

Establishes the office of ethnic and community media; provides duties of the executive director; requires each state agency to seek to direct at least fifty percent of its total spending on advertising to ethnic and community media outlets.

NY A03510

Establishes the office of ethnic and community media; provides duties of the executive director; requires each state agency to seek to direct at least fifty percent of its total spending on advertising to ethnic and community media outlets.

NY AB1878

Data collection: race and ethnicity.

NY HF86

Community emergency medical technician certification requirements modified, and medical assistance coverage of community emergency medical technician services modified.

NY SF2128

Community emergency medical technician certification requirements modification; community emergency medical technician services medical assistance coverage modification

NY H7114

Permits special community service to be imposed because of bullying based on religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

NY AB1186

Data collection: race and ethnicity: minimum categories.

NY A4308

Requires DHS to increase home and community-based services under Medicaid.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.