ID H0166

Effective July 1, 2019, caps the rate for publishing official notices in newspapers at $20.00 per notice, replacing the previous pica-based pricing structure that had been in effect since October 1, 2008.

Allows legal notices to be published electronically on newspaper websites as the first requirement, with concurrent or immediately following print publication in the next available physical edition satisfying all publication requirements regardless of how many times other statutes require notice.

Requires newspapers to provide free public access to all official notices on their platforms for at least four weeks after initial publication, with no additional fees allowed for electronic publication.

Establishes qualifications for newspapers printing legal notices, including: published within the governmental entity (or nearest if none exists), largest paid circulation in the area, valid second-class mailing permit, and minimum content standards of at least four pages with five columns each published at least weekly.

Excuses and validates any violations of prior printing location requirements that occurred before July 1, 2019.