Qualified newspaper, online public notice requirements expanded

As times have changed, a section of state law last updated bout 30 years ago needs a refresh.

A new law, effective Aug. 1, 2022, updates and modernizes statute that governs publication of public notices by synchronizing the distribution of public notices digitally and in print. It also ensures public notices disseminated in a digital format are a valid form of publication.

A result of the Minnesota Newspaper Association working with local units of government, the law addresses issues faced by modern-day newspapers, such as e-editions, formatting requirements, circulation thresholds and the availability of statewide public notice websites.

For example, it creates a new rule for how the location of a newspaper where notices are to appear is determined, making it easier for government bodies and others to properly and efficiently publish public notices.

Additionally, per the law, “a newspapers website must include a link to its online public notices section, the contents of which must be accessible at no cost to the public.” If a qualified newspaper maintains a website it must also agree to publish public notices there and on the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s statewide public notice website.

Rep. Gene Pelowski Jr. (DFL-Winona) and Sen. John Jasinski (R-Faribault) sponsor the law.

HF3682*/SF3457/CH61

HF3682* / SF3457 / CH61