Committee amends Newspaper Advertising Act to allow online notices and statewide posting requirement
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Summary
The committee adopted omnibus amendments to HB1291 broadening 'newspaper of general circulation' to include digital formats, requiring real-time website posting and a statewide public-notice site; amendments passed (22-4 and 25-1), and the bill was reported 14-12.
The House Local Government Committee advanced House Bill 1291, a measure to update the Newspaper Advertising Act (Title 45) and give government entities more flexibility in how they publish required public notices.
John Casselli summarized the bill’s core change: the definition of a “newspaper of general circulation” would expand to prioritize a printed newspaper with an online website; if no such print product exists, a digital newspaper or an online-only/free paper that meets content and format standards could qualify. The bill requires any qualifying newspaper to post public notices on its website and to post on a statewide public-notice website at no additional cost.
Chairman Freeman introduced omnibus amendment A02253, which collapses the bill’s definitions into a two-part test, requires real-time posting of notices outside paywalls, searchable access during the required posting period, and maintenance of an archive for at least one year. The committee adopted that amendment by roll call 22-4. Freeman also introduced a technical clarifying amendment (A02466) addressing legal notices required to appear in a legal newspaper; that amendment was adopted 25-1.
Committee discussion focused on balancing the newspapers’ watchdog role and public access with municipal cost and flexibility. Chairman Miller raised concerns about potential constitutional issues if a single statewide website is effectively prescribed and about the practical scheduling of notices across publications; Freeman said the amendment’s language does not name a specific website and that the drafting attorney was comfortable with the approach. Freeman also emphasized that municipalities should continue to post notices on their own websites where possible.
The committee voted 14-12 to report HB1291, as amended, to the full House.
Next steps: HB1291 will be considered by the full House. The committee record does not include an independent fiscal estimate in this hearing; the transcript records legal and practical concerns raised by members.
