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 in the state. The bill reduces the required publication period from five years to two years and introduces provisions for exceptions to publication requirements under certain circumstances, such as when a newspaper's established schedule does not meet specific notice publication requirements.

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 in a parish without an eligible official journal can still be selected. Furthermore, it repeals R.S. 43:171(B) entirely, streamlining the selection process for official journals in areas lacking eligible newspapers. The new provisions 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)