Bill
Bill > S4064
NJ S4064
Allows public bodies to provide required notices to newspapers distributed online and establishes related publication requirements; establishes rates that newspapers may charge for each notice posted online.
summary
Introduced
01/30/2025
01/30/2025
In Committee
01/30/2025
01/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, public bodies must provide notice to newspapers 48 hours prior to holding a meeting to conduct official business, under certain circumstances. This bill amends the definition of "adequate notice" for a public meeting to allow public bodies to satisfy their meeting notice requirements by publishing the notice in newspapers that are published in part or in whole electronically via the Internet and on online news publications. This bill also amends the definition of "newspaper" for the publication of all official notices and advertisements to allow the State or local bodies to publish in qualified or previously qualified newspapers that are now published electronically on the Internet and on online news publications. The bill also adds definitions for "designated public address," "original content," and "paid online content." In cases where there is no qualified newspaper or the State or local body is unable to identify a qualified newspaper, the State or local body may publish on their publicly accessible Internet website. The bill establishes rates for publishing official advertising for newspapers and online news publications based on the number of bona fide net paid subscribers.
AI Summary
This bill modernizes New Jersey's laws regarding public notices and newspaper publications by allowing newspapers and online news publications to meet updated qualification standards for publishing legal and official notices. The bill expands the definition of "newspaper" to include online publications, establishes specific requirements for print and digital publications to qualify for publishing public notices, and creates a framework for how public bodies can satisfy notice requirements through digital platforms. Key provisions include requiring qualifying online publications to have a certain percentage of original news content, maintain a designated publication address, have a minimum number of paid subscribers, and provide a free hyperlink to a statewide public notices website (njpublicnotices.com). The bill also updates the rates that newspapers and online publications can charge for publishing official advertising, switching from a per-line to a per-character or per-square-inch pricing model based on the number of paid subscribers. Additionally, in cases where no qualified newspaper can be found, public bodies may publish notices on their official websites after verifying they attempted to identify a qualified publication. The changes aim to adapt public notice requirements to the digital age while maintaining standards of journalistic quality and accessibility.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/30/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4064 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4064_I1.HTM |
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