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House Bill 424 lets municipalities post redundant public‑notice ads online when newspapers fail to publish
Summary
House Bill 424, sponsored by Chairman Miller, would amend Titles 45 and 65 to allow political subdivisions and municipal authorities to post redundant public‑notice advertisements on their websites; if a newspaper fails to publish on time the online posting would be considered valid. The committee passed the bill unanimously.
House Bill 424, offered by Chairman Miller, would amend Titles 45 and 65 to allow political subdivisions and municipal authorities to publish redundant advertisements on their publicly accessible websites in addition to required newspaper advertisements, committee staff said.
Under the bill, an online redundant advertisement would satisfy public‑notice requirements if a newspaper failed to publish an advertisement on time, provided the entity retains records of its newspaper advertisement purchases or other proof of compliance. The bill would take effect in 60 days if enacted.
Chairman Miller described the measure as responding to practical problems municipalities have encountered when newspapers fail to publish. "This is probably the finest piece of legislation we will vote on this entire session," Chairman Miller said, adding that municipal newspapers have struggled and that online redundancy would help municipalities continue to operate when advertising fails.
The bill has support from the State Association of Township Supervisors, the Boroughs Association, the State Association of Township Commissioners, the Municipal League and the Municipal Authorities Association. The committee approved the bill by voice vote; members voted unanimously to advance it to the floor.
Action details
- Motion to bring the bill forward: moved by Representative Probst; seconded by the committee. - Final committee action: bill passed unanimously by voice vote and will be sent to the floor of the House.
Next steps
The bill was approved by the committee and will be scheduled for full House consideration.
