Illinois 103rd Regular Session Status: Introduced 1 D cosponsors

SB 3953 — LOCAL JOURNALISM ACT

Last action — Referred to Assignments

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  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 103rd Regular Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Creates the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. Creates a credit against an employer's withholding tax liability if the employer is a local news organization. Provides that the amount of the credit is equal to 50% of the amount of wages paid by the employer to qualified journalists in the calendar year in which the credit certificate is issued, not to exceed $25,000 in credits per qualified journalist. Provides that an additional withholding tax credit of $5,000 shall be awarded for each qualified journalist who fills a new journalism position for the employer during the calendar year in which the credit certificate is issued. Provides that those credits are subject to certain limitations. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit, subject to certain limitations, in an amount equal to the consideration paid during the taxable year by an eligible small business to local newspapers or local broadcast stations for advertising in this State. Effective immediately.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes tax credits for local news organizations and small businesses that support local journalism through advertising, aimed at sustaining local news operations.

  • 35 ILCS 5/241

    Sec. 241. Small business income tax credit for local journalism advertising.

    This section introduces a new tax credit for eligible small businesses that purchase advertising from local newspapers or broadcast stations.

  • 35 ILCS 5/704A

    A credit is available for employers that are local news organizations for amounts withheld during the first calendar year to occur after the calendar year in which the local journalism certificate is issued under this Act.

    This addition allows local news organizations to receive a tax credit against withholding tax liability.

  • 35 ILCS 5/704A

    The credit shall be equal to 50% of the amount of wages paid by the employer to qualified journalists in the calendar year in which the credit certificate is issued, not to exceed $25,000 in credits per qualified journalist.

    This change provides a specific percentage credit on wages paid to qualified journalists, incentivizing employment in journalism.

  • 35 ILCS 5/704A

    An additional credit of $5,000 shall be awarded against payments due under Section 704A of the Illinois Income Tax Act for each qualified journalist who fills a new journalism position for the employer during the calendar year in which the credit certificate is issued.

    This provision grants further tax benefits for creating new journalism positions.

  • 35 ILCS 5/704A

    No more than $250,000 in credits under this Act may be awarded to any one local news organization in a single calendar year.

    This sets a cap on the total credits any single organization can claim, limiting the potential liability for the state.

  • 35 ILCS 5/704A

    If the local news organization is not independently owned, no more than $500,000 in credit may be awarded in a single calendar year to all local news organizations that share the same ownership interest.

    This establishes a limit on credits for organizations under common ownership, supporting independent businesses.

  • 35 ILCS 5/704A

    The total amount in credits that may be awarded under this Act in any given calendar year may not exceed $8,000,000.

    This clause manages the overall fiscal impact of the credit program by determining an annual budget limit.

  • 35 ILCS 5/704A

    Credits under this Section shall be awarded by the Department on a first-come, first-served basis.

    This details how credits will be allocated among applicants.

  • 35 ILCS 5/704A

    The credit for partners and shareholders of subchapter S corporations shall be determined as provided in Section 251.

    This ensures that tax credits are managed consistently for different business structures.

  • 35 ILCS 5/241

    For taxable years that begin on or after January 1, 2025 and before January 1, 2030, an eligible small business may apply to the Department for a credit against the tax imposed by subsections (a) and (b) of Section 201 of this Act.

    This provision specifies the applicability of the newly created credits for a limited timeframe.

Action History

  1. Referred to Assignments

  2. First Reading

  3. Filed with Secretary by Sen. Steve Stadelman

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 182 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (182)

182 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 3953 do?
Creates the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. Creates a credit against an employer's withholding tax liability if the employer is a local news organization. Provides that the amount of the credit is equal to 50% of the amount of wages paid by the employer to qualified journalists in the calendar year in which the credit certificate is issued, not to exceed $25,000 in credits per qualified journalist. Provides that an additional withholding tax credit of $5,000 shall be awarded for each qualified journalist who fills a new journalism position for the employer during the calendar year in which the credit certificate is issued. Provides that those credits are subject to certain limitations. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Creates an income tax credit, subject to certain limitations, in an amount equal to the consideration paid during the taxable year by an eligible small business to local newspapers or local broadcast stations for advertising in this State. Effective immediately.
Who sponsors SB 3953?
SB 3953 is sponsored by Steve Stadelman (Democrat).
What is the current status of SB 3953?
This bill died with 103rd Regular Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 3953?
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