New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S02129

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/15/25  

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 S02129, 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 end of 2027. The bill aims to enhance communication with diverse communities across the state, ensuring that critical information about state services and programs reaches all residents, particularly those who may not speak English as their primary language or who belong to various ethnic backgrounds. The legislation emphasizes the importance of local media in fostering community connections and ensuring equitable access to state resources.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly alter how state agencies approach their advertising strategies, requiring a substantial shift in budget allocations towards local and community-focused media. This change is expected to bolster the financial viability of smaller media outlets that serve specific ethnic or community groups, thereby promoting diversity in media representation. Additionally, the bill will necessitate the development of a comprehensive list of approved media outlets by the office of general services, which will facilitate compliance and transparency in advertising spending.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S02129 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocates for diversity and inclusion in media. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to important state information. However, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting the 50% spending requirement and the potential impact on larger media outlets that may lose advertising revenue as a result.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential challenges state agencies may face in identifying and verifying local, community, and ethnic media outlets that meet the criteria set forth in the bill. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the administrative burden of tracking advertising expenditures and the effectiveness of the proposed measures in genuinely reaching underserved communities. Additionally, there may be debates about the balance between supporting smaller media outlets and the financial implications for larger, established media organizations.

Companion Bills

NY A01042

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 A01042

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.