S.B. No. 1062 amends Section 2051.0441 of the Government Code to update the requirements for newspapers used for the publication of public notices. The bill specifies that, except as outlined in a new subsection, a newspaper must devote at least 20 percent of its total column lineage to general interest items, be published weekly, have a significant circulation within the county, and have been in continuous publication for at least 12 months. The new subsection (b-1) allows governmental entities to publish notices in a digital newspaper, provided that the digital publication meets specific criteria, including having an audited paid-subscriber base, being in business for at least three years, employing local staff, reporting on local events, providing general interest news, and updating its content weekly.

The bill aims to modernize the way public notices are disseminated, accommodating the growing role of digital media in local news. It emphasizes the importance of local engagement and accessibility while maintaining standards for the publication of public notices. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 2051.044 (Government Code 2051)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 2051.0441 (Government Code 2051)
Engrossed: Government Code 2051.0441 (Government Code 2051)
House Committee Report: Government Code 2051.0441 (Government Code 2051)
Enrolled: Government Code 2051.0441 (Government Code 2051)