Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.
The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, and represents a shift towards modernization in how municipalities handle public notices. By allowing digital and other non-traditional publication methods, it seeks to improve access to information for residents. This is particularly beneficial in an age where digital platforms often have greater reach and faster dissemination capabilities than print newspapers. The essential goal is to ensure that local residents are adequately informed of important municipal affairs.
House Bill 7380 proposes amendments to the Public Notice Act, allowing the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish required notices in any newspaper with general circulation in their municipalities. This change would enable these towns to select alternative digital or print platforms deemed to reach a larger portion of the population, rather than being restricted to traditional newspaper publications. This bill is designed to enhance communication and outreach by allowing for more flexible methods of public notification and engagement.
Notable points of contention surrounding H7380 include concerns about potential disparities in access to information among different demographics. Critics may argue that not all residents have equal access to digital platforms or may prefer traditional methods of information dissemination. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the accountability and transparency of the publication process when using selected digital platforms over established newspapers, which often have established readership and reliability.