HB1616 Summary

• Establishes website publication as alternative to newspapers: Allows notices, ordinances, and public documents to be published on an independent third-party website meeting specific criteria instead of requiring newspaper publication.

• Creates website standards and requirements: The website must be publicly accessible at no cost, require no login, be selected by Legislative Council, subject to audit, maintain postings for 3 years, and charge commercially reasonable rates.

• Applies to extensive range of publications: Amendments affect 189 Arkansas Code sections covering elections, property sales, bonds, ordinances, assessments, permits, and numerous local government notices.

• Allows transition period with dual publication: Counties and municipalities publishing in newspapers can transition to website-only publication by publishing a monthly notice in newspapers for one year indicating where public notices are posted online.

• Delayed implementation with exception: The bill takes effect August 1, 2028, except the website publication framework (Section 169) becomes effective January 1, 2024.