Tax credits boost hiring for California local news outlets

Personal Income Tax Law and Corporation Tax Law: credits: local news organizations: business expense deduction: excessive employee remuneration.

Engrossed· 2026-05-27

Who's it for

Who's it for: Local news organizations

What it means for you

7/10Helps you

Good for everyday people ·

Cost shiftHeavily funded

Draft summary, still being checked against the official bill text. Read the source to confirm.

If passed, the bill would give California news companies a tax credit for each full‑time or part‑time journalist they hire, lowering their tax bill.

Our take

What we think, in plain words.

Supporters say it will keep local news alive by making hiring cheaper, but critics warn it will cost taxpayers and may favor larger outlets that can claim the credits.

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The facts

What the bill actually says, no spin.

AB 2222 proposes tax credits for hiring journalists in California.
Credits are $20,000 per full‑time journalist (up to five) and $15,000 for each additional full‑time journalist.
Part‑time journalists earn a $7,500 credit each.
Credits apply for tax years starting Jan. 1, 2027 through Jan. 1, 2032.
The Franchise Tax Board must publish reports on credit usage.