MI HB4859

Redefines "newspaper" for publication of legal notices to require: a print publication in English with a bona fide subscriber list or 2+ years of weekly publication in the same community, 1+ year of weekly publication in the required area, and at least 25% news and editorial content per issue.

Requires newspapers publishing notices to provide free online access on their website with a homepage link to notices, maintain notices for the full required publication period, and keep notices permanently searchable as archived records.

Mandates newspapers place notices on a state newspaper association website serving as a central repository with searchable capabilities, permanent record maintenance, mobile and browser accessibility, and text message or email notification options.

Prohibits newspapers controlled by the person on whose behalf the notice is published, or by their officers, employees, agents, or affiliates, from serving as qualified publications for legal notices.

Requires newspapers to maintain permanent printed copies of editions containing notices for archival and verification purposes, and specifies that internet posting errors do not invalidate print publication.