When legal notices are required to be published in a newspaper of general circulation, present law requires the notice to also be published on a news and information website that has a URL, if such a website exists, that meets all of the following criteria:  Has been published continuously for the previous 12-month period.  Has been published using recognized standards of professional journalism.  Must have content revised on a regular basis not less than three times per week.  Bears a fixed title or name and date lines and complies with and abides by all copyright laws.  Does not serve primarily as a platform to promote the interests or opinions of a special interest group, individual, or cause.  Is principally devoted to the dissemination of local or general news with at least 50% of all editorial content reported being original, excluding advertisements.  Exists and is registered pursuant to state law with the secretary of state, and must have an office of publication known to be based in the county in which the notice is required to be published and that is available and open to the public where business is transacted during usual business hours, that maintains a telephone number and email listing, and that includes in each updated publication the contact information of the website. This bill adds to the list of criteria above that the website must not require a fee or a subscription for a person to view the website.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-3-120(f), 1-3-120