Maryland House Bill HB1273

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Refer: 2/23/23

Caption

Legal Advertisement or Legal Notice - Publication in Newspaper or Newspaper in General Circulation - Digital Newspapers

Impact

If enacted, HB 1273 will have significant implications for how legal notifications are disseminated within the state. It acknowledges the shift in how communities consume news and informational content, thereby allowing more flexibility for smaller, digital-centric publications to serve as official outlets for legal advertisements. This can democratize information access and ensure that legal notices reach a broader audience, particularly in an era where digital media is paramount.

Summary

House Bill 1273 seeks to amend the existing definitions in state law regarding what constitutes a 'newspaper' or 'newspaper in general circulation' for the purpose of publishing legal advertisements or notices. The bill broadens the definition to include both print and digital formats that meet certain criteria. This change reflects the growing trend toward digital media consumption and aims to ensure that legal notices are accessible through various publication channels, not just traditional print newspapers.

Contention

The bill may face contention around the adequacy of digital newspapers in fulfilling the role of traditional newspapers in terms of reliability and trustworthiness. Critics might argue that not all digital publications have the same level of accountability and reach as established print newspapers. Concerns regarding the potential for misinformation in digital formats might also arise, leading to debates about the standards necessary for a publication to qualify as a 'newspaper' for legal purposes.