Yesterday the House Local Government Committee continued a discussion regarding online legal notices. Last week the committee heard testimony from various groups including the League. For several years the League has been trying to pass legislation that would allow communities to publish legal notices online.

The committee took up several pieces of legislation. Senate Bills 7 and 8 allow publishing in an online publication if there is no print publication that meets the criteria of “newspaper”. The League is neutral on this legislation. While it starts to open the door to this important conversation, the legislation is very specific and limited.

The committee also heard testimony on HB 4298 which would allow a country treasurer to post foreclosure notices online in addition to print publications. In addition it would require posting only twice in a newspaper instead of the current requirement of three postings. Again we think this is a start in the right direction, but we would like to see more comprehensive legislation reflecting the way residents get their news.

We expect a vote on the legislation next week.

Samantha Harkins is the Director of State Affairs for the League. She can be reached at 517-908-0306 and sharkins at mml.org.