Public notice threats seem to be growing

In several states, legislators are introducing bills to allow (or require) governments to publish these official notices only on government websites or electronic platforms instead of in newspapers.

Critics — including newspaper associations, press advocates, and many transparency advocates — argue that removing newspaper publication threatens government transparency and public accountability.

The PNRC is watching this trend closely and we stand willing to help states facing these potential threats.

This study outlines issues which negatively impact citizen engagement when public notices are removed from newspapers and moved to less visited government websites.

Newspaper notice as a government transparency mechanism: Evidence from Florida∗

Kimberlyn Munevara Texas A&M University, Anya Nakhmurinab Yale School of Management, and Delphine Samuelsc, University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Let the People Speak

Editorials: Dec 26, 2025
A group of Ohio lawmakers believes public bodies within the state should be required to allow public comment before decisions are made. It may come as a surprise to you that is not already the case, but state law requires only that the public be allowed to attend and/or listen to meetings.

SEASONS GREETING
and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

This time of year, legislative activity tends to be at a slower pace. PNRC anticipates the new year will bring increased activity as legislators aim to move bills before they enter the election cycle.

Keeping an eye on public officials.

Many of the state legislative bodies are not in session right now. PNRC urges people to keep an eye on what local governments are doing as well as the state house.

One example occurring right now: Across the country, massive new data center projects tied to expanding the artificial intelligence industry are being announced. These facilities take up huge swaths of land and require a lot of energy. It’s incumbent on local governments and state houses to provide complete transparency and notice of these facilities.

Best practices are the foundation for keeping public notices in newspapers and e-editions.

PUBLIC NOTICES MUST BE PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY OF THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER PUBLIC TRUSTEES

Publication should be in print AND in digital format
Print: Publication must have a fair price and a preexisting audience apart from public notice. Digital: There should be no cost to readers to access digital notices.
Public notices in print should be readable
Readers should be able to find them. The best publishers provide enhanced services (e.g., email subscription) to specialized audiences at a reasonable price.
Publishers should make reasonable effort to direct attention to notices
Efficient indexing for ease of reader use, quick access to web links, and reporting on news embedded in important notices are among the tools publications can offer.
Print publication is self-authenticating
Publishers should be prepared to provide an affidavit of publication. Digital authentication is evolving. Print authentication is particularly critical for real estate.
Public notices should be archived for proof of publication
Archives should be open to public during reasonable office hours and copies should be available at publisher’s cost.
Archives should be preserved for historians
Care should be taken to retain archives when systems or owners change.

Use PNRC – It is Here to Support You.

The Public Notice Resource Center is here to support your effort to retain public and legal notices in newspapers. Your donation helps PNRC track legislation and be a resource for your legislative efforts.
The PNRC Board is available to speak at your convention, reminding publishers about the best practices for public notices and staff an informational table. When a newspaper does not follow best practices, it can jeopardize notices for all.
PNRC is willing to discuss strategies for legislative efforts and help successfully identify legislative efforts in other states.
PNRC is funded by donations from state press associations and members of American Courts and Commercial Newspapers. Without the continued support PNRC would not be the resource for keeping notices public.

PNRC supports state press associations.

The PNRC Board and staff are available as a resource to states that are supporting or opposing legislation that maintains public notices where they belong in either newspapers or its successor e-edition. PNRC will prepare Op-Eds, letters of support or give video testimony when requested.

Let us know when a public notice bill is introduced and how PNRC can support your efforts as the industry adapts to the changing world.

 What’s Happening Around the Country?

Proper Public Notice is Essential – Two examples that didn’t meet the test

Along with open meetings and freedom of information laws, public notice is an essential element of the three-legged stool of government transparency. The Attorney General of Kentucky and the State Auditor call into question the validity of tax and bond votes when appropriate public notice was not given.
KY attorney general says Fayette school board didn’t give public notice before tax vote

 AG Coleman: Fayette County (KY) Schools Tax Hike is Unlawful
Office of the Attorney General

(June 4, 2025) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) Board unlawfully attempted to raise taxes on Kentucky families. General Coleman released a formal Attorney General’s opinion that found the FCPS Board failed to meet the state statutory requirements to provide public notice before levying an occupational tax increase at its May 27, 2025 meeting.

Breaking News
Oklahoma legislature increases state-set rate for legal notices, enacts reforms.

Oklahoma legislators voted to override the governor’s veto of House Bill 2167 – an OPA-sponsored legal notice bill – in the final hours of the 2025 legislative session.  The legislation increased the state-set legal notice rates for the first time since 2005 and included other reforms for readability and accessibility of legal notices.

HB 2167 passed the House on March 25 by an 83-6 vote.  On April 28, the bill passed the Senate 36-6.   On May 5, the governor vetoed the legislation, writing a confusing and surprising veto message, even though the bill reached his desk with veto-proof vote majorities in both the House and Senate.