MD SB64

Expands the definition of "newspaper" for legal advertisement and notice publication to include digital publications alongside traditional print newspapers in Maryland counties and municipalities.

Digital publications must employ at least one full-time staff member (30+ hours/week) who resides within 50 miles of the jurisdiction and produces original local or state news content.

Digital publications must publish at least one article per week on matters of public interest for the preceding 12 months and maintain a publicly accessible archive of all legal notices.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) digital publications must declare local/state news coverage as part of their mission and cannot receive more than 50% of gross receipts from political action committees or certain tax-exempt organizations.

Effective date: October 1, 2026.