Bill > S4654

This bill provides a comprehensive framework for publishing legal notices online in New Jersey, transitioning from traditional print newspaper publications to digital platforms. Starting March 1, 2026, public entities will be required to publish legal notices on their official websites, with a direct hyperlink on their homepage and a one-year online archive. The Secretary of State will create a centralized webpage with hyperlinks to all public entities' legal notice pages. Non-public entities (like corporations or individuals) must publish legal notices on online news publications that meet specific criteria, such as having a recognizable domain name, maintaining an accessible archive, displaying notices for at least one week, and meeting traffic requirements based on circulation (municipal, county, or state-wide). Online news publications must also maintain media liability insurance, be free to access, and have been in continuous operation for at least three years. The bill establishes detailed eligibility requirements for online news publications, including minimum monthly unique website visits and geographic readership percentages. Additionally, the legislation provides some flexibility by allowing legal notices to be considered valid even if there are minor technical issues or temporary disruptions in online publication. This bill modernizes legal notice publication by leveraging digital platforms while ensuring accessibility, transparency, and comprehensive public information sharing.

Budget and Finance

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4654