HB 2047 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act establishing the Local News Fellowship Program; imposing duties on an administering institution; and providing for administration of the Local News Fellowship Program.

HB 2047 establishes a Local News Fellowship Program to support journalists in local news organizations. The bill requires an administering institution (not specified in the context) to manage the program, including selecting fellows and distributing funds. It directly affects local news outlets and journalists by providing structured fellowship opportunities. The program’s administration details are outlined in the bill, though specific funding levels or eligibility criteria aren't provided in the given context.

Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Nov 2025

Committee Review

Nov 2025

House Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Nov 18, 2025 Last action Feb 4, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN2622 → Printer's No. PN2874 · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was updated to reflect its progression from introduction to committee reporting, adding new sponsors and a formal report date. Crucially, the text was amended to explicitly state that the program's implementation, funding, and duties are entirely contingent on the availability of appropriated money, effectively making the program optional if funds are not secured.

Scope change

The bill's scope is now explicitly conditional; the program will only operate to the extent that money is appropriated by the General Assembly.

FISCAL

Added a disclaimer that the program's existence and operations depend on the availability of appropriated funds.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new section stating the General Assembly may appropriate funding as it deems necessary.

TIMELINE

Updated the bill header to reflect the new printer's number and added a report date of February 4, 2026.

ELIGIBILITY

Added new co-sponsors Smith-Wade-El and Warren to the list of bill authors.

Floor votes · House Feb 4, 2026

How they voted

26–0

Passed

Total votes 26

Feb 4, 2026

D Democratic14

14 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican12

12 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Feb 4, 2026

House · Passed

House Vote: pass (26-0)

house

Feb 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported as amended

lower

Nov 18, 2025

Committee

Referred to Communications & Technology

lower

1 primary · 12 co-sponsors