HB 6440 Summary

• Establishes the "Local Government Public Notice Act" requiring local governments and governmental entities to post public notices on websites starting January 1, 2022.

• Defines "newspaper" as a print publication meeting specified criteria (weekly publication, 50% English language, established subscriber base, accepts official notices, published for at least 1 year), with alternative definitions for online-only publications and adjoining county publications if no local paper exists.

• Requires local governments without websites to create and maintain one by December 31, 2021, and mandates posting notices on active notice portions of websites while maintaining printed copies available for public inspection.

• Obligates local governments to notify local media outlets within 24 hours of posting notices and to maintain permanent archives of public notices in compliance with state record retention schedules.

• Allows individuals, organizations, and corporations to request placement on a permanent public notice list to receive notices by mail (for a yearly fee) or email (free of charge).