Michigan House Bill HB4428

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/19/23
• Refer: 4/19/23

Caption

Local government: other; publication of legal notices; revise, and create the local government public notice act. Creates new act.

Impact

The implementation of HB4428 is expected to enhance transparency within local governmental proceedings. By moving public notices online, it is anticipated that a wider audience will have access to this information, potentially increasing civic engagement. Furthermore, the act specifies that if there are no suitable newspapers for publication, notices are to be disseminated via adjoining counties, thereby considering regional accessibility. This flexibility is designed to adapt to the varying availability of print media across different areas.

Summary

House Bill 4428, known as the Local Government Public Notice Act, aims to streamline the processes by which local governments and other governmental entities provide public notices. The bill outlines specific requirements for how notices are to be disseminated, mandating that if a local government has a website active for at least 180 days, they must post these notices online. This is intended to ensure greater accessibility of information to the public, allowing for easier access to important governmental updates and activities that affect local residents. The changes are slated to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Contention

While the bill has supporters who argue that it modernizes public engagement, some critics voice concerns over reliance on digital media for public notices. They point out that not all residents have access to the internet or are familiar with navigating online platforms, particularly those from older demographics or underserved communities. Thus, there are apprehensions that the shift to online notice may leave some local voices unheard. This potential digital divide raises questions about whether the measure will indeed enhance community outreach as intended.