Bill > S390

This bill establishes a new process for local government units and school administrative units to contract for publishing legal notices, requiring them to secure informal bids annually at the start of each fiscal year in a manner designed to maximize competition and ensure the best value for public funds. The bill mandates that contracts for publishing notices be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, considering factors like quality, performance, circulation reach, cost, and compliance with existing statutes. If no eligible local newspaper is available, the unit can contract with an eligible newspaper from another area. The bill also modifies existing law regarding legal advertising rates, requiring newspapers to file sworn statements of their commercial rates with the county superior court clerk and ensuring that legal advertisements are paid at or below local commercial rates. The legislation defines key terms such as "local school administrative unit," "newspaper," and "unit of local government" by referencing existing state statutes. The new provisions will become effective on July 1, 2026, and will apply to notices published on or after that date, with the overall aim of increasing competition and potentially lowering costs for legal notice publications.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S390