Promoting and funding public media and digital equity.

 H-3007.1

HOUSE BILL 2579

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Representatives Stearns, Berry, Reed, Parshley, Gregerson, Santos, Mena, Goodman, Obras, Fosse, Peterson, Cortes, Pollet, and Nance

Read first time 01/20/26. Referred to Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans.

AN ACT Relating to promoting and funding public media and digital equity; adding new sections to chapter 43.330 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 82 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes that every Washingtonian should have access to trusted, noncommercial media that informs, educates, and connects our communities. The legislature further recognizes that media is a valuable commodity that contributes to the vitality of the state and the cultural integrity of the state's communities.

The legislature finds that noncommercial media provides a significant public benefit by providing information related to public safety, emergency broadcasting, public service announcements, community events, and educational partnerships.