This bill allows public bodies in New Jersey to continue using newspapers for required public notices and legal advertisements until a specified date, regardless of the format of the publication. Specifically, it states that any newspaper designated as an official newspaper by a public body, as defined in the "Open Public Meetings Act," will be eligible for use from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, and will maintain that eligibility from January 1, 2025, to March 1, 2025, irrespective of whether the publication is in physical or digital format.
The bill aims to ensure that public bodies can consistently meet their legal obligations for public notices and advertisements during this transition period. It emphasizes the continuity of using established newspapers for these purposes, thereby supporting transparency and public engagement in governmental processes. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.