This bill mandates that public entities and certain private entities publish legal notices on official government websites and eligible online news publications, starting March 1, 2026. Public entities are required to ensure that these notices are accessible to the public free of charge and must maintain a centralized webpage with hyperlinks to their legal notices. The bill also sets forth criteria for online news publications to qualify for publishing these notices, including traffic levels, accessibility, and a one-year archiving requirement. The transition from traditional print publication to digital formats aims to modernize the legal notice process, enhancing efficiency and public accessibility.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to allow newspapers that relocate within the same or adjacent counties to continue publishing legal advertisements for two years post-move, provided they meet qualifications. It ensures that newspapers eligible in 2024 can continue to publish legal notices in either print or electronic formats until March 1, 2026. The legislation also establishes that public entities must publish legal notices on their official websites with a direct hyperlink on their homepage and maintain an archive for at least one year, with local government units receiving an exemption until July 1, 2026. Public entities are required to advertise these notices in eligible online news publications at least twice a month during 2026, with the Secretary of State overseeing the centralized webpage for public access.