MN HF4105

Political subdivisions in Minnesota may publish required public notices on their official website as an alternative to publication in a qualified newspaper, expanding the definition of "publish" to include website dissemination.

Governing bodies must annually designate their means of dissemination and, if choosing website publication, must post notice on both the Minnesota Newspaper Association's statewide public notice website and their own website announcing that public notices will appear online only.

When no qualified newspaper exists in a jurisdiction, public notices must be published on the political subdivision's website or, if no website exists, on the Minnesota Newspaper Association's statewide public notice website.

Website publications must follow the same format and duration requirements as traditional newspaper publications, and fourth-class cities in the metropolitan area may use website publication as an alternative when no qualified nondaily newspaper serves the city.

All provisions take effect the day following final enactment, and the bill repeals existing section 331A.12, subdivision 1, which contained definitions specific to transportation project bid advertisements.