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Committee Extends Newspaper Public‑notice Authority, Seeks Data From Publishers
Summary
Amended S4136 delays a transition away from newspapers by requiring that governments can continue using eligible newspapers through June 30, 2025, and directs publishers to submit circulation, pricing and web‑view data to Legislative Services for analysis.
The Senate Judiciary Committee adopted amendments to S4136 and released the bill after receiving testimony from county, municipal and education officials and from press organizations.
The amendments move the bill’s sunset for newspaper eligibility from December 31, 2025 to June 30, 2025 and add requirements that publications providing public‑notice services submit subscription, pricing, daily web page views and other requested information to the Governor and the Legislative Services Commission. Committee witnesses — representing counties, the League of Municipalities and school boards — said the measure provides a necessary short‑term pause while the Legislature evaluates long‑term options for posting official notices, such as allowing public bodies to publish on their own websites.
Journalism‑supporting groups and the New Jersey Press Association testified that the extension is critical while stakeholders work to agree on data formats and standards; the press asked Legislative Services to set clear reporting periods so information will be comparable across outlets.
Committee members signaled interest in pursuing a permanent solution that balances transparency, reach and cost, and the bill was released with the committee’s amendments.
