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Bill > S1672
NJ S1672
NJ S1672Allows public bodies to provide required notices to newspapers distributed online and establishes related publication requirements; establishes rates that newspapers and online news publications may charge for each notice posted online.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, public bodies are required to 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 publication address," "news," "original, general news content," and "paid online content." The bill, further, amends and expands the definition of "official advertising," and applies the definition to other related terms as specified in the bill. In cases where there is no qualified newspaper or online news publication, the State or local body (excluding a city) may publish each official advertisement that it is required to publish in at least one newspaper or online news publication that meets the requirements set forth in R.S.35:1-2.2, so long as the newspaper or online news publication maintains its designated publication address within the county in which the municipality is located for a period of not less than two consecutive years immediately preceding publication of its first official advertisement. 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 allows public bodies to satisfy their requirement to provide notice of meetings by publishing in newspapers that are available online or on online news publications, in addition to traditional print newspapers, and also updates the definition of "newspaper" to include those published electronically. It introduces new terms like "designated publication address" (a physical address where a publication's activities occur), "news" (information gathered by a news media), "original, general news content" (content created by a news outlet about government and other general topics), and "paid online content" (news available to subscribers online). The bill also expands the definition of "official advertising" to include "legal advertising" and "public notice," and sets specific qualifications for publications to be considered eligible for publishing such notices, including requirements for original news content and online presence. Furthermore, it establishes new rates for publishing official advertising, based on the number of paid subscribers, and mandates that all official advertising published online must also be available for free on the website njpublicnotices.com. For municipalities that cannot find a qualified local newspaper or online publication, the bill provides alternative publication options within the county or state, with specific residency and publication history requirements for these publications.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1672 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1672_I1.HTM |
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