Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify how local governments in Minnesota handle the publication of public notices. It addresses the situation when a qualified newspaper is not available to publish required notices by allowing for online publication as an alternative.

Main Provisions

• Publication Requirement Changes: The bill allows political subdivisions to publish required public notices on their official websites when no qualified newspaper is available.
• Alternative Publication: Notices must also be posted on the Minnesota Newspaper Association's statewide public notice website at no additional cost.
• Continuation of Notice Publication: If a newspaper stops publishing after a notice has been partly published, the time already published will count towards the total publication requirement, verified by an affidavit.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill amends the current law to specifically allow for online publication of public notices when a qualified newspaper cannot be used, filling the gap left by a newspaper's discontinuance.

Relevant Terms

local government, public notice, qualified newspaper, online publication, political subdivision, Minnesota Newspaper Association, discontinuance of newspaper, website posting