Law note · California
California Journalism Preservation Act
Would have required covered digital platforms with at least $1 billion in annual global revenue to pay California-based digital journalism providers a 'journalism usage fee' calculated as a percentage of advertising revenue, or submit to binding arbitration; at least 70% of proceeds were required to be spent on journalists and support staff.
The bill died in the California Senate on November 30, 2024 ('from committee without further action') after the voluntary Google-California deal was announced in August 2024. Legal critics argued the bill conflicted with both the First Amendment (by compelling association with publisher content) and 17 U.S.C. ยง301 (federal copyright preemption of equivalent state rights).
Primary source: California Legislature, leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
CalMatters (Aug. 2024); TechCrunch (Aug. 24, 2024)