HB290 Summary

• Requires newspapers accepting legal notices to publish them on their own website (if maintained) and a statewide website in addition to print publication, at no additional charge to government or requesting parties.

• Establishes that legal notices posted on Internet websites remain valid if posting errors result from the fault of the newspaper, Internet provider, or the entity maintaining the statewide website.

• Caps publication rates at the lowest classified rate paid by commercial customers for comparable advertisements in the same newspaper, including all applicable cash discounts and commercial contract benefits.

• Requires the newspaper's affidavit to certify that charges do not exceed the lowest classified rate paid by commercial customers for comparable advertisements.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.