Bill would let local Michigan governments post meeting notices online

By Jack Spencer | Michigan Capitol Confidential

A bill has been introduced in the House to change the requirements local governments must meet when publishing legal notices.

For decades, officials in local units of government have been required to publish legal notices in daily and weekly newspapers. Now, however, thanks to the advances in technology, the percentage of citizens who seek news and information from newspapers has diminished and continues to decline. In addition, many newspapers no longer publish in print formats.

“The sources people use to find information have shifted,” said Rep. Amanda Price, R-Holland, the sponsor of House Bill 5560. “More and more of them are going online. Many people who are under the age of 30 never read newspapers. With this bill we are looking to ensure that public notices remain widely accessible.”

at Michigan Capitol Confidential.