The bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to update the requirements for the publication of official public notices, shifting from the previous mandate of using "newspapers of general circulation" to a new standard outlined in chapter 618. This change replaces the phrase "in a newspaper of general circulation" with "as provided in chapter 618" across multiple sections, including those related to public hearings, bond issuance, and local government actions. The amendments aim to streamline the publication process, ensuring consistency and clarity in how notices are disseminated to the public.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the timelines for publication, requiring that notices be published at least four to twenty days prior to relevant events, such as elections or public hearings. It also introduces alternative methods for notification, allowing for the publication of notices on the internet site of a local radio station or a statewide public notice internet site when no qualifying newspaper is available. Overall, the bill seeks to modernize the legal framework governing public notice requirements in Iowa, enhancing transparency and accessibility for the public while ensuring compliance with updated standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6B.2A, 6B.4, 24.2A, 24.3, 26A.3, 28A.5, 28A.16, 28A.21, 28J.9, 37.4, 49.11, 49.53, 69.2, 73A.12, 74A.7, 75.2, 80.39, 321.89, 161A.3, 161A.16, 161A.45, 173.14B, 174.17, 182.3, 257.18, 39.2, 257B.5, 260C.14, 279.35, 273.8, 273.23, 275.14, 257.6, 275.4, 275.15, 275.55, 279.36, 303.46, 303.44, 306.12, 306.11, 321.236, 330A.6, 330A.7, 330A.11, 331.207, 331.302, 331.305, 331.385, 359.42, 331.434, 331.441, 346.27, 349.16, 349.18, 352.7, 357A.6, 357A.11, 357A.24, 357B.18, 357B.4, 362.3, 364.2, 368.4, 368.7, 373.4, 384.16, 384.25, 384.24, 384.84A, 384.84, 403A.5, 403A.28, 419.9, 422D.1, 423A.7, 423B.9, 423F.3, 441.49, 446.9, 446.18, 447.9, 455B.305A, 459.304, 465C.11, 468.34, 468.82, 468.257, 468.16, 533.320, 556.12, 618.3, 618.11