This bill amends and reenacts several sections of Louisiana's public printing laws, specifically R.S. 43:81(A), 140(3), 142, and 171(A)(2) and (3), while also enacting new sections R.S. 43:81.1, 140.1, 140.2, 147.3, 171.1, 171.2, and 175. Key changes include the qualifications for a newspaper to be designated as the "Official Journal of the State" or for political subdivisions, which now require that the newspaper be published in Louisiana and have a general circulation, rather than being limited to Baton Rouge. The bill reduces the required publication period from five years to two years and introduces provisions for newspapers that may not meet the frequency of publication requirements due to their established schedules, allowing them to still be selected as official journals under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the official journal must include a statement of the costs charged to state agencies or political subdivisions for any published notices, advertisements, or proclamations, and it cannot charge for printing this cost statement. The bill also addresses "news deserts," allowing for specific criteria under which a newspaper can be selected as an official journal in parishes lacking eligible newspapers. The repeal of R.S. 43:171(B) is also included, and the new provisions regarding cost statements will take effect for publications on or after January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB977 Original: 43:81(A), 43:140(3), 43:171(A)(2), 43:171(B)
HB977 Engrossed: 43:81(A), 43:140(3), 43:171(A)(2), 43:171(B)
HB977 Reengrossed: 43:81(A), 43:140(3), 43:171(A)(2), 43:171(B)
HB977 Enrolled: 43:81(A), 43:140(3), 43:171(A)(2), 43:171(B)
HB977 Act : 43:81(A), 43:140(3), 43:171(A)(2), 43:171(B)