An Act Allowing The Publication Of Public Notice On A Municipal Internet Web Site.
If enacted, this bill would impact Section 1-2 of the general statutes, which governs the publication of public notices by local governments in Connecticut. By permitting the publication on municipal websites, the bill could lead to a significant reduction in printing costs associated with newspaper advertisements, thus freeing up local government resources which could be allocated to other areas. Additionally, it may increase the immediacy and relevance of public notices, as they can be updated and maintained more efficiently online.
House Bill 5322, introduced by Representative Dunsby, proposes an amendment to allow municipalities to publish public notices on their official websites instead of the traditional requirement of using a weekly newspaper. The bill aims to modernize the way local government communicates important information to citizens, leveraging the increasing use of the internet for information dissemination. This change is intended to enhance the accessibility of public notices, making it easier for residents to stay informed about local matters.
Notable points of contention include concerns from traditional media outlets about the potential loss of revenue resulting from reducing reliance on newspapers for public notices. Critics argue that while internet access is widespread, not all residents may access municipal websites regularly, potentially alienating segments of the population who rely on print media. Moreover, discussions may arise regarding the adequacy of internet access across various communities, particularly in rural areas where connectivity might still be a challenge.