Bill > H0166

This bill amends and adds to existing law to provide for legal notices to be published by a newspaper electronically, with print follow-up, and to set rates. The key provisions are: 1. Newspapers can now publish legal notices, advertisements, and publications online using a platform that provides free public access, with the online publication serving as the primary requirement. The electronic publication must remain available online for at least 4 weeks after initial publication. 2. Newspapers are no longer required to develop and maintain an electronic publication capability, but they cannot charge an additional fee for electronic publication - the rates are set in the existing law. 3. Newspapers publishing legal notices online must also publish them concurrently or immediately following in the next available physical edition of the newspaper, as long as the newspaper meets certain qualifications (e.g., continuous publication, minimum size, circulation requirements). 4. The definition of a "newspaper of general circulation" is clarified, including requirements around the newspaper's location, circulation, and physical characteristics. 5. Any prior violations of the requirements for printing legal notices in the specific governmental entity are excused, and the related advertisements are validated.

Government Affairs, Justice

State Affairs Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2019/legislation/H0166/