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Bill > A1163
NJ A1163
NJ A1163Expands definition and qualifications of online newspaper for required public advertisements.
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
This bill amends the definition of a newspaper and establishes certain criteria for publications to qualify for the online publishing of official notices and advertisements by State or local bodies. The bill retains the requirements that the newspaper be entirely printed in the English language, printed and published within the State of New Jersey, be a newspaper of general paid circulation possessing an average news content of not less than 35%, and have been published continuously in the municipality where its publication office is for not less than two years. The bill removes the requirement that the newspaper be registered as a second class mail matter with the postal service. This bill states that in order for State and local government agencies to publish notices to a newspaper's website, the newspaper will be required to meet the following qualifications: (1) demonstrate a history of serving an audience which includes the jurisdiction or area of interest the agency serves; (2) provide an email newsletter to their readers, which shall include the notices published in their newspaper; and (3) provide an option to view the notice in Spanish and one additional prominent language spoken in the region the newspaper serves.
AI Summary
This bill expands the definition and qualifications for newspapers to be eligible for publishing required public advertisements and official notices from State and local government bodies in New Jersey. While retaining existing requirements such as being printed entirely in English, published within the state, having general paid circulation with at least 35% news content, and being published continuously in its municipality for at least two years, the bill removes the requirement for newspapers to be registered as second-class mail matter with the postal service. Crucially, it allows newspapers that are published wholly or partly online to qualify if they meet additional criteria: they must demonstrate a history of serving the relevant local audience, provide an email newsletter that includes the published notices, and offer the option to view notices in Spanish and another prominent local language, thereby modernizing the requirements for public notices in the digital age.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government 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/A1163 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1500/1163_I1.HTM |
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