HB 1494 Summary

• Creates the Arkansas Public Notice Act of 2013, allowing government entities to publish required public notices on an internet calendar maintained by the Secretary of State instead of in newspapers.

• Requires the Secretary of State to establish a free, publicly accessible website with a searchable database of public notices in calendar format and sections for non-date-specific notices, updated regularly with dates, times, locations, and descriptions.

• Permits government entities to choose the least expensive publication method between traditional newspaper publication and the public notice calendar website, with notice posted for at least 2 weeks before events unless law specifies otherwise.

• Authorizes the Secretary of State to set optional fees for website publication, with revenues deposited into a cash fund for program administration; fees must consider costs of newspaper publication versus website savings.

• Amends existing Arkansas Code sections to redirect notice requirements from specific newspaper publication to compliance with the Arkansas Public Notice Act of 2013; becomes effective January 1, 2014.