PNRC Heads to Detroit for the NNA Convention September 18, 2026
The Public Notice Resource Center is looking forward to seeing newspaper professionals from across the country at the National Newspaper Association Convention in Detroit next month.
Be sure to join us for our PNRC Flash Session, where we’ll share practical tips, strategies and advocacy ideas to help keep public notice where the public notices—in newspapers and on newspaper digital platforms. We’ll discuss what’s working in states across the country, current legislative trends, and ways newspapers can continue demonstrating why they remain the most trusted, independent source for official public notices.
Whether your state is currently facing challenges or you simply want to be prepared for the future, we hope you’ll stop by, share your experiences, and leave with ideas you can put to work back home.
We look forward to seeing you in Detroit!
COMING SOON…
Ripley issues water notice tied to old reporting errors
by Suzette Lowe August 9, 2026
RIPLEY, W.Va. — Earlier this month, Ripley residents received a notice about missed drinking-water monitoring reporting requirements dating to 2008 and 2018–2021. Chief Operator Brian Arthur emphasized that the notices do not indicate a current water-quality problem. In 2008, Haloacetic Acid levels reportedly exceeded the regulatory average during the final two quarters, but the issue was corrected by 2009. Arthur was not the operator at the time and could not provide specific historical test results. The later violations involved clerical problems, including paperwork that was not filed correctly or on time. The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health discovered the omissions during an administrative audit and required the city to notify residents. Arthur said Ripley maintains strict monitoring, regular flushing, and proper tank turnover, assuring residents the water is safe.
https://www.wvnews.com/jacksonnews/ripley-issues-water-notice-tied-to-old-reporting-errors/article_99723aad-0280-47a6-a49e-15e1d0e18451.html
About South County: Legal ads don’t just benefit newspapers, they keep the public informed
By Bill Seymour August 15, 2026
What are those Town Council people in Westerly really doing with a proposal to eliminate newspaper legal notices?
It seems more of a censorship issue — censoring the public from knowing what they are up to — than some cost-saving move requiring a rollback in public information.
As my colleague Emma Grunwald in the Westerly Sun explained, one council member questioned where to publicize ordinances after the council realized it was spending a total of $20,112.41 on advertising costs from July 31, 2025, to July 23, 2026.
It was stated during the council meeting that the amount spent this year was lower than some previous years, when it was up to $30,000 or $40,000 for advertising the ordinances.
The member argued that putting their ordinances in the newspaper was an “antiquated” way of getting the notices out to the public.
Rhode Island law still requires municipalities to publish many consequential legal notices —particularly zoning, comprehensive-plan, and development notices — in newspapers circulating within the affected community, often in addition to website postings and direct notice. But the requirement is statutory and issue-specific, rather than a universal rule applying to every municipal notice.
There is an important exception, as shoehorned in a subtle way in Westerly. R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-6-1(c) says that advance notice of the proposed adoption, amendment, or repeal of a municipal ordinance or regulation may, in general, be provided on a Secretary of State website “in lieu of newspaper publication.”
That provision does not override more specific statutes such as the zoning and land-use laws that expressly require newspaper publication.
It’s an exception that allows municipalities to hide major changes from residents and thwart public outcry at public meetings. How can anyone come forward when their municipality makes the discovery of information harder and more difficult?
With all due respect, reading the Secretary of State’s website every day with a copy of “Morning Joe” isn’t routine; looking at the newspaper still is for many people.
The strongest evidence in 2026 supports keeping legal notices in independent local news outlets while also publishing them online, rather than replacing newspaper publication with government websites or even simply digital alone, given at a minimum discrimination against poor people who cannot afford internet access or struggle to understand the benefits of reliable, evidence-based web research.
The most directly relevant research is unusually timely. A 2026 working paper by Kimberlyn Munevar of Texas A&M, Anya Nakhmurina of Yale School of Management, and Delphine Samuels examined Florida’s decision to let local governments move public notices from newspapers to county websites.
They found that governments using the website option significantly reduced newspaper notices, particularly for public hearings, planning and zoning matters, and elections; website traffic did not meaningfully increase, public-meeting attendance fell, and commercial zoning permits increased in a pattern consistent with reduced citizen opposition.
The researchers concluded that removing newspaper notices reduced information about local government and diminished citizen engagement.
That finding goes directly to the central argument: Posting something online is not the same as effectively notifying the public.
A notice buried on a municipal website or some other online portal requires residents to know where to look, remember to look, and repeatedly check for something they may not know is coming. Newspaper publication places that information in an independent channel people already use for community information.
Pew Research Center’s 2024 national survey reinforces that distinction. While 66% of Americans said they often or sometimes got local political news from local news outlets, only 32% said the same about local-government websites; 68% said they at least sometimes followed local government and political news.
At a minimum, that means a government-only notice system relies on a source that most citizens do not routinely consult for local political information. Online information anywhere for the matters of legal notices would produce even fewer numbers.
The digital divide has narrowed, but it has not disappeared.
Pew reported in 2026 that 16% of U.S. adults are smartphone-dependent, meaning they have no home broadband connection; the rate rises to 34% among adults with household incomes below $30,000 and 17% among people 65 and older.
The Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey counted more than 6 million U.S. households with no internet access at all. A public-notice system confined to government or other websites therefore creates a measurable access disadvantage for some of the people most likely to be affected by tax sales, zoning changes, public hearings, and other legal proceedings.
There is also broader evidence that independent local newspapers increase civic participation.
Jackie Filla and Martin Johnson, writing in Urban Affairs Review, studied municipalities in the Los Angeles region and found that voters with less access to local-government news were less likely to vote in municipal elections. Their conclusion was straightforward: access to local public-affairs reporting contributes to political participation.
https://www.independentri.com/news/article_866dbca6-bb5b-4304-a049-14a5ea4cc2e2.html
EPIC ▪ MRA PRESS RELEASE
MICHIGAN POLL ON PUBLIC NOTICES
600 Sample Statewide Poll of Active and Likely November 2026 Voters
Conducted by live interviewers, including 80% cell phones – Margin of Error: ±4.0%
Key survey findings:
58% of voters surveyed say they trust local newspapers and their websites to provide important public notices and information that helps ensure government transparency and accountability.
This survey was commissioned by EPIC ▪ MRA.
When respondents were asked: “Which one of the following would you trust the most to provide important public notices and information that helps ensure government transparency and accountability such as local government budgets and how elected officials are spending tax dollars, zoning and taxation issues, public safety and health information, and infrastructure projects?” 58% of respondents said they trust a local newspaper or a local newspaper and its website the most. 42% said, “a local newspaper and its website,” 19% were undecided or refused to answer, 23% said, “a government website,” and 16% said, “a local newspaper.”
A survey conducted by EPIC ▪ MRA in 2019 showed similar results. That consistency is especially noteworthy when considering the dramatic changes to the media landscape over the past seven years.
When respondents were asked: “As you may know, current Michigan law requires many official activities to be published in local newspapers. The purpose behind this law is to provide as much notice to the public as possible of official government actions that will take place or are planned to take place. Some local officials want to eliminate this requirement and only place official notices on their government website. Which would you trust more as the place to find public notices of government activities?” 55% of respondents said, “my local newspaper/newspaper’s website,” 25% said “government website,” 9% said “both,” and 7% said “neither.” 4% of respondents were undecided or refused to answer.
When respondents were asked: “Putting aside your personal preference, which method of making government activities known to the most members of the general public would be the most effective?” 63% of respondents answered, “local newspaper,” 24% said
“government website,” 5.5% said “both” and 3.5% said “neither.” 4% of respondents were undecided or refused to answer.
The survey shows that Michigan voters continue to view local newspapers and their digital platforms as the most trusted source for official public notices and information about government actions.
Bill Requiring Public Notices to Be Published in Newspapers’ Print Editions Heads to Gov. Newsom’s Desk
AB 2323, requiring legal public notices in California newspapers’ print and online editions, has passed the Legislature and awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision.
California Black Media
Antonio Ray Harvey August 11, 2026
Assembly Bill (AB) 2323, legislation by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) that would modernize how newspapers publish legally mandated public notices is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for consideration.
AB 2323, co-authored by Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach), cleared the Legislature after the Assembly voted 75-0 on Aug. 7 to concur with Senate amendments. Newsom can sign or veto the measure.
“For decades, legal notices have been published in independent newspapers, creating a trusted third-party record the public can rely on,” McKinnor said. “As more Californians access information online, this bill ensures our public notice systems evolve without compromising public access to important information. AB 2323 has received bipartisan support.”
California law requires certain public notices — including estate notices, foreclosure announcements and local government ordinances — to be published in adjudicated newspapers of general circulation.
Sometimes called legal advertisements, public notices are intended to promote transparency, protect individual rights and formally inform communities about government and private actions that may affect them.
AB 2323 would require those notices to appear in both a newspaper’s print edition and on its website or electronic newspaper. The measure is intended to expand digital access while preserving an independent, third-party record of public notices.
The bill has received broad support from ethnic media organizations and local newspaper publishers, who say it will help the public notice system adapt as print readership declines.
AB 2323 would prohibit newspapers from charging readers a separate fee to access public notices online. It would also prohibit publishers from charging advertisers an additional fee specifically to post legally required notices online. Newspapers could continue using paywalls, subscriptions or one-time passes for other content.
The measure does not address the newspaper industry’s broader financial challenges. However, supporters say it would preserve a historically important, government-mandated revenue stream by maintaining the print publication requirement while expanding access online.
“AB 2323 is really needed because as we look at what’s happening online on the Internet, on our social media, we can’t believe everything we see,” McKinnor said. “It’s tremendously important that we keep print news because it’s factual. That’s where our people can go, and we can get the facts. This bill is extremely important.”
AB 2323 initially faced opposition during committee review. The California Special Districts Association raised concerns about increased costs for local governments and the required use of public funds to pay private newspaper companies.
Under California law, special districts must publish certain legally required notices — including meeting announcements, public works bid solicitations and election deadlines — in newspapers of general circulation.
Representing the association, Marcus Detwiler told the Assembly Judiciary Committee, chaired by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), on March 24 that the group “respectfully opposed (AB 2323) unless amended.”
The association sought clarification that local agencies and special districts would not be required to pay additional fees or surcharges for publishing notices both in print and online. That concern was addressed through amendments adopted in June.
Dr. John Warren, publisher of the San Diego Voice and Viewpoint, told California Black Media (CBM) that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature on AB 2323 would help to continue protecting press freedom and ensuring citizens receive essential government information.
“The governor’s signing of AB 2323 would represent a major step toward upholding the First and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as well as protections guaranteed under the California Constitution,” Warren said.
“The publishing of government public notices in independent newspapers and online “guarantees” transparency by keeping information accessible, archivable, and verifiable outside of direct government control,” Dr. Warren added. “The practice supports journalism financially and editorially by providing critical revenue and serving as an untapped source for local investigative reporting.”
The debate over AB 2323 comes as the U.S. newspaper industry faces mounting financial pressures caused by declining print advertising, competition from digital platforms and changing consumer habits.
According to the Expanding News Desert, or END, California has more than 1,400 historical and active newspapers listed across its 58 counties. State legislative monitoring from mid-2026 estimates that 300 to 350 ethnic media outlets operate across print, digital and broadcast platforms.
END is a research project and interactive database that tracks the decline of local journalism and the closure of newspapers across the United States.
Although California has a large number of media outlets, access to local print journalism continues to shrink because of industrywide consolidation, according to END. Its data shows that at least two California counties have lost all local newspaper circulation, while 12 counties have only one publication.
Newspapers charge fees to publish legal notices, providing them with an important source of revenue. Supporters of the current system argue that publishing the notices in independent newspapers also creates a neutral, verifiable and permanent record of government activity.
The bill’s language requires legally mandated notices to appear in both print and online formats. It also specifies that certain website errors or temporary service interruptions would not invalidate a notice if it was published correctly in the newspaper’s print edition and met all other legal requirements.
“The guarantees of freedom of speech and Freedom of the press, which the founding fathers protected and are only as Good as our protection,” Dr. Warren said. “Our state includes newspapers as a part of that due process. We can supplement but not replace them.”
Editor’s Note: Approved by the Governor. 08/20/2026
Statement: EPA should withdraw proposal that would erase public notice and comment for air pollution permits
July 22, 2026
WASHINGTON, JULY 22, 2026 — Environmental Defense Fund joined other concerned Americans at an EPA hearing today to oppose an action that would take away the public’s right to weigh in when facilities that put more pollution into our air are being built or expanded.
A Trump EPA proposal would allow states to eliminate public notice and comment in most air pollution permit proceedings. EDF is urging the agency to withdraw that proposal.
“The impacts of climate change on air quality have come into focus this summer, with communities across the country suffering from unhealthy air. This is a time to be expanding community input on air permitting decisions — not erasing it.” said Environmental Defense Fund senior attorney Surbhi Sarang in her testimony today. “Public participation in the permitting process is a key safeguard for local air quality. Community members are uniquely positioned to share information on the impact of additional pollution on daycares and soccer fields where children play or to alert regulators to relevant community health issues.”
EPA’s proposal would revise protections, known as the Minor New Source Review program, that have been in effect since 1973. Since then, states and local air agencies have had to provide public notice and at least a 30-day comment period before deciding about permits for new or substantially modified large sources of air pollution. The new proposal would allow for preconstruction air pollution permits without that public notice or any opportunity for public comment.
While the name of the proposal says “minor” it would actually apply to all but the very largest sources of pollution. For instance, the Tennessee Valley Authority recently got permission to build two new methane-gas fired power plants with Minor New Source Review permits, and almost all new data centers would be covered under the program.
The public may submit comments to EPA through August 21st.
You can read Surbhi Sarang’s full comments here.
If you have a public notice story
or a bill that may be of interest.
Please send information to
Jim Tarrant at jim@pnrc.net.
Current Legislation (Click to View the Map ) or Click Image Below.
NEW JERSEY
S4309 Allows online news publication to use municipal, county, or State-wide circulation requirements to meet eligibility standards; extends grace period for qualifying newspapers.
This bill modifies the requirements for online news publications to be eligible to publish legal notices, expanding their reach and extending a grace period for traditional newspapers. Specifically, it allows online news publications to qualify for municipal-wide legal notice publication if they meet county-wide circulation requirements (meaning at least 50,000 unique monthly visits with 50% from within the county or a 10-mile radius) or state-wide circulation requirements (meaning at least 350,000 unique monthly visits with 50% from within the state), in addition to the existing municipal or 10-mile radius requirement. It also clarifies that meeting state-wide circulation requirements automatically qualifies an online news publication for county-wide notice publication. Furthermore, the bill extends the grace period for newspapers, whether in print or electronic format, to be used for complying with legal notice requirements from March 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. Passed by the Senate. Received in the Assembly 06/18/2026
NEW HAMPSHIRE
HB1369 Relative to the manner of posting the warrant for town meetings.
This bill modifies how town meeting warrants, which are official notices of meetings and their agendas, are posted. For special town meetings, selectmen, who are elected town officials, must now use at least two of three methods: publishing the warrant in a local newspaper at least 7 days before the meeting, posting it at the meeting location and another public place at least 14 days before, or posting it on the town’s official website, if one exists, at least 14 days before. If posted online, the warrant must be prominently displayed on the town’s homepage or have a direct link there. For regular town meetings, the warrant must be posted at the meeting place, another public location, and on the town’s website (if available), all at least 14 days prior to the meeting, with specific instructions on how to count those 14 days to exclude the posting and meeting days but include weekends and holidays. In both cases, towns are still allowed to post the warrant in additional places, and these new rules for regular meetings do not apply to special meetings, which will continue to follow the separate procedures outlined for them.
Enacted in accordance with Article 44 PartII of the N.H. Constitution without the signature of the governor 08/20/2026
Veto Overridden by necessary two-thirds vote; 08/19/2026 Senate
Veto Overridden by Required Two-Thirds Vote 08/19/2026 House
Vetoed by Governor Ayotte 06/19/2026
CALIFORNIA
AB2323 Publication: newspapers of general circulation.
This bill requires that any public notice that is legally mandated to be published in a “newspaper of general circulation”—meaning a newspaper that meets specific criteria like having paying subscribers and being published regularly—must now appear both in the newspaper’s printed edition and on its website or electronic version. The bill also prohibits newspapers from charging extra fees for people to access these public notices online or for the act of posting them online, though they can still charge for other content on their websites. Furthermore, minor errors or temporary outages affecting the online publication of a legal notice will not invalidate the notice if it is correctly published in the print version. Approved by the Governor.