The League is a strong advocate for a modernized approach to legal advertising. As traditional print newspapers consolidate and publish less frequently, it has become increasingly difficult and costly to local governments to meet the current advertising requirements.
Municipalities are required to advertise notice of public meetings, proposed ordinances, contracts, requests for proposals and other official business in a newspaper of general circulation. In most instances, there is only one newspaper of general circulation in each municipality, eliminating the ability to seek competitive pricing.
The League supports authorization for municipalities to use optional and cost effective alternatives to traditional newspapers, such as pennysavers, merchandisers and other low-cost local newspapers, or to advertise on a municipal or statewide website.
Local Government Advertising Flexibility
Senate Bill 194 (PN 144), introduced by Senator Doug Mastriano, would amend Title 45 (Legal Notices) providing local governments with options for advertising public notices.
This bill would authorize local governments to choose from a menu of advertising options, including: a newspaper generally circulated in the local government’s county; the public website of the local government; and the public website of a newspaper, or a website with a primary purpose for posting public notice advertisements.
If a local government wishes to utilize one or more of the methods listed in the bill, it would be required to adopt a resolution declaring its intent and listing the new advertising methods. The local government would also be required to provide public notice of the adopted resolution; to post a copy of each advertisement at its principal office or building; and to retain a copy of each notice for at least three years.
Finally, SB 194 does not relieve local governments of the requirement to advertise certain notices in a legal journal.