Virginia House Bill HB2690

Virginia 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25

Caption

Legal notice; locality to publish on website.

Impact

The amendment is significant as it potentially reduces the reliance on print media for legal notices, which has traditionally been a requirement in many localities. It acknowledges the shift in how communities access information and could lead to cost savings for local governments by decreasing expenditure on newspaper advertisements. This change may increase the efficiency with which legal notices are published and accessed, allowing citizens to stay informed through digital means. However, it is essential to ensure that all residents have equitable access to the internet to avoid excluding those who may not be online.

Summary

House Bill 2690 proposes amendments to Virginia's Code regarding the publication of legal notices. The bill allows localities to publish legal notices on their official websites as an alternative to traditional newspaper advertisements. This legislative change aims to modernize the dissemination of legal information and reflects the growing trend of utilizing digital platforms for public announcements. By permitting local governments this option, HB2690 seeks to enhance accessibility to legal notices for residents who may prefer online information over physical newspapers.

Contention

Despite the apparent benefits of HB2690, there may be concerns regarding transparency and accountability. Critics could argue that relying solely on websites for legal notice publication might obscure important information from those who do not regularly access the internet or are not familiar with navigating local government websites. As such, some stakeholders may call for provisions ensuring that both methods of publication remain available, allowing for a broader reach of legal notices to the public.