Provides for publication of required legal notices on government Internet websites and through certain online news publications.
The bill mandates that public entities maintain an internet archive of legal notices for at least one year, ensuring that past notices remain accessible. Additionally, it stipulates that by January 1, 2026, these entities must also advertise at least twice a month in eligible online news publications, informing the public about where to find complete legal notices. This requirement signifies a considerable shift towards digital transparency in public communications and intends to enhance public accessibility to governmental processes and notices.
Senate Bill 4654, introduced in New Jersey, aims to facilitate the publication of legal notices by public entities on their official websites and in eligible online news publications. The primary requirement set forth by the bill is that starting from March 1, 2026, legal notices must be published on the public entity's official website, which should be accessible to the public free of charge, along with a direct hyperlink to the relevant notices displayed prominently on the homepage. In the interim, until this date, public entities may continue to publish notices in print newspapers, but are encouraged to transition to online platforms.
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill involve the transition from traditional print to online formats, particularly regarding the accessibility and reliability of online news publications. Critics argue that not all demographics may have equal access to the internet, raising concerns about excluding vulnerable populations from important public information. Furthermore, the stipulations for online news publications, including circulation requirements and authenticity checks, could lead to challenges for smaller news outlets who might struggle to meet the criteria for eligibility.
To ensure compliance, the Secretary of State is tasked with establishing a centralized internet page linking to all public entities' notice pages by March 1, 2026. Local governments will also have a grace period until this date to prepare for the transition. The overall aim of SB 4654 is to streamline the publication of legal notices and shift towards a more efficient and transparent governmental communication practice, reflecting the growing trend towards digital access in public services.