The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7146, aims to modify the requirements for municipalities regarding the publication of legal notices. The bill introduces new definitions, including "chief elected official," "municipality," and "sufficient circulation," which is defined as a readership of at least 15% of households in a municipality based on the most recent decennial census. It allows municipalities to publish legal notices in weekly newspapers until June 30, 2026, and establishes a framework for publication in either daily or weekly newspapers or on municipal websites if no newspaper meets the circulation requirement.

Starting July 1, 2026, municipalities must publish legal notices in a newspaper with sufficient circulation or, if none exists, on their official website. By July 1, 2027, the same requirements will apply, emphasizing the need for sufficient circulation. The bill also mandates that chief elected officials assess the circulation of newspapers every two years and select one for publishing legal notices. Additionally, it stipulates that municipalities must maintain a link to legal notices on their websites for at least 90 days and file copies with the municipal clerk or regional council of governments. Errors in published notices that are not attributable to the municipality will not invalidate the notice.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 1-2