Editorial: Keep Legal Notices in Local Newspapers

Proposed legislation would allow municipalities to post public notices only on their own websites

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A movement in the state legislature aims to allow municipalities to post their legal and public notices solely on their own websites, rather than requiring publication in a local newspaper of general circulation. The editorial argues this would reduce transparency and accessibility, as not all residents have reliable internet access.

Why it matters

Publishing legal notices in local newspapers ensures permanent public records and accessibility for all community members, including those without internet access. Allowing municipalities to post notices only on their own websites could reduce transparency around how tax dollars are spent.

The details

Currently, state law requires municipalities to publish legal notices and public notices in a local newspaper of general circulation. This ensures the notices are archived and accessible to all residents, not just those with internet access. The editorial argues that moving these notices solely online would neglect members of the community who do not have cell phones or reliable internet, preventing them from staying informed about important local issues and decisions.

  • The state legislature is considering a new bill to allow municipalities to post legal notices only on their own websites.

The players

Belleville Area District Library

The local library that archives copies of the Belleville Area Independent newspaper, where legal notices have traditionally been published.

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What they’re saying

“It's important to know where your tax dollars are going. Keep the legal notices where the public notices.”

— Rosemary K. Otzman, Editorial author (bellevilleareaindependent.com)

The takeaway

Maintaining the requirement for municipalities to publish legal notices in local newspapers preserves transparency and accessibility for all community members, regardless of their access to digital technology.