House Bill No. 2166, introduced by Pfeiffer, amends Section 106 of Title 25 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to the definitions and requirements for legal newspapers in the state. The bill defines "legal newspapers" as those with general circulation that meet specific criteria, including maintaining a paid subscription circulation, being published continuously for at least 104 weeks, and conducting independent audits to verify circulation and content. It introduces two categories of legal newspapers: periodical and nonperiodical, each with distinct requirements for publication frequency, subscription offerings, and content standards. Additionally, the bill mandates that legal newspapers publish legal notices on their websites and maintain a record of ownership and management.
The bill also modifies provisions related to the continuity of publication, extending the allowable interruption period from fourteen to twenty-one consecutive days due to unforeseen circumstances. It allows for the establishment of a legal newspaper in a county without one, provided it meets the outlined requirements after a year of operation. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that failure to publish for a specified period will not invalidate the publication of legal notices. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.