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Committee advances bill requiring social-media and expanded public notice for zoning changes
Summary
A Senate committee advanced a committee substitute to SB 2893 that would require local governments to post zoning-notice information on Facebook, Instagram and X at 30 and 15 days before hearings, retain newspaper notices, post proposed changes in public offices and libraries, post on a government website, display signage 30 days prior, and extend landowner appeal time from 10 to 20 days.
Senator Filangaine told the committee the substitute to Senate Bill 2893 is meant to broaden public notice of zoning hearings by “placing [notice] on the top 3 social media platforms” as well as keeping newspaper notices and physical signage. He said posts must state the date, time and place of the public hearing and describe the proposed zoning change.
Opponents and questioners pressed practical details. Senator Turner Ford asked whether municipalities would be required to create accounts for the platforms; Filangaine answered posting would be obligatory if the bill becomes law. Senator Hopson warned that “I see so much misinformation on social media sites” and said she trusts paid newspapers; Filangaine and the chair emphasized the substitute layers social-media posts on top of, not instead of, existing newspaper notice requirements.
Committee discussion also raised post format and additional notice steps. Senator Blackman asked whether ephemeral formats such as stories or reels could meet the requirement; Filangaine said the bill requires inclusion of time and place but does not micromanage post format. Senator Barnett proposed a three-attempt property-owner notice process modeled on municipal cleanup practice; Filangaine said she would work with members and municipal groups on amendments.
The committee voted that the title was sufficient and passed the committee substitute. The motion carried by voice vote.
The measure as advanced would (1) require social-media posting on Facebook, Instagram and X at 30 and 15 days before a hearing; (2) keep the local newspaper notice at 30 and 15 days; (3) require proposed changes to be available in the local government office or library and posted on a local-government website for 30 days; (4) require signage displayed 30 days prior; and (5) extend a landowner’s appeal period from 10 days to 20 days.
