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Committee sends statewide public‑notice website bill to appropriations after debate over digital divide and newspaper access
Summary
House Bill 1312, which would create a statewide, searchable public‑notice website in a phased rollout beginning July 2026, was recommitted to the Appropriations Committee after debate about costs and whether a digital option would reduce newspaper notice requirements.
House Bill 1312, proposing a statewide public‑notice website for state agencies and local units, was recommitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee after extended debate over costs and concerns about the digital divide.
Representative Meltzer, the bill's sponsor, described a phased rollout that begins July 2026, followed by phases in January 2027 and July 2027, ultimately making the service available statewide. Meltzer told the committee the site would be free for government entities and for members of the public, searchable by local unit or notice type, and include an option for individuals to sign up for email notifications. "This allows for local units of government to not only save time and become more efficient, it allows for Hoosiers to be able to see these notices at any point in time," Meltzer said. Meltzer cited a state figure that the state spent just over $330,000 on public notices in 2024 and said setup costs would be about $400,000 with roughly $120,000 in annual maintenance costs thereafter.
Committee members expressing concerns said a statewide digital option could reduce reliance on newspapers that still serve many residents, particularly in rural areas and among populations without broadband. Senator Jackson explained his planned no vote by citing the digital divide in his district: "I'm a vote no on this bill. And the reason is until we fix the digital divide for the constituents I serve, I'll be a no vote on this." Other members argued the proposal traded one notice (print) for another (digital) and urged caution so as not to leave constituents who use newspapers without adequate notice.
After discussion, the chair moved to recommit HB 1312 to the Appropriations Committee; the motion carried on a roll call. The committee record includes multiple recorded explanations of vote. The chair framed the bill as a voluntary option for local units and noted local governments could continue paying for newspaper notices if they wished.
Next steps: HB 1312 will be considered by the Appropriations Committee for fiscal review and potential funding decisions.
