The bill introduces a new framework for the publication of public notices in Iowa, establishing an online portal managed by the Secretary of State. This portal will serve as a centralized platform for public posting entities, such as counties, cities, and school districts, to post statutorily required public notices, which must be searchable by various categories. A Public Notice Administration Fund will be created, funded by a fee of five dollars for each notice posted. Public posting entities are responsible for the content and maintenance of these notices, which must remain available for five years. The bill also outlines exceptions to its applicability, including the office of the governor and the general assembly, and establishes a dispute resolution process through the Iowa Public Information Board.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to replace the requirement for publication "in a newspaper of general circulation" with a new standard that mandates publication "as provided in chapter 9J." This change applies to various notices related to governmental actions, including public hearings and elections, ensuring compliance with the updated publication standards. The amendments aim to streamline the notification process while enhancing transparency and public engagement in local governance. The bill also clarifies procedures for notifying the public about governmental actions and allows for a transition period where notices can be posted either online or in compliance with existing laws for six months following the bill's effective date of July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12C.7, 23.3, 445.5, 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, 256.11, 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, 446.9, 446.18, 447.9, 455B.305A, 459.304, 465C.11, 468.82, 468.257, 468.16, 533.320, 556.12, 2B.5A