The MN House reports…

Harder; Nash; Klevorn; Tabke; Scott; Bakeberg; Hanson, J., and Elkins introduced:

H. F. 2231, A bill for an act relating to local government; modifying requirements for publishing notice in a qualified newspaper; authorizing online publication of public notices when no qualified newspaper is available; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 331A.10, subdivision 2.

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Elections Finance and Government Operations.

The bill as introduced...

A bill for an act
relating to local government; modifying requirements for publishing notice in a
qualified newspaper; authorizing online publication of public notices when no
qualified newspaper is available; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section
331A.10, subdivision 2.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 331A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Discontinuance.

(a) When a newspaper ceases to be published before the
publication of a public notice is commenced, or when commenced ceases before the
publication is completed, the following procedures apply: (1) when the publication is required
by court order, the order for publication, when one is required in the first instance, may be
amended by order of the court or judge, to designate another newspaper, as may be necessary.
If no order is required in the first instance,; or (2) when the publication is required by law,
rule, or ordinance, the publication may be made or completed in any other qualified
newspaper.

(b) If no qualified newspaper is available for publication of a public notice after the
discontinuance of a newspaper, the political subdivision must post the information required
to be published on the political subdivision’s website until another qualified newspaper is
identified, which shall then be designated. During the time when no qualified newspaper is
available, the political subdivision must also post the public notice on the Minnesota
Newspaper Association’s statewide public notice website, at no additional cost to the political
subdivision.

(c) Any time during which the notice is published in the first a newspaper prior to its
discontinuance shall be calculated as a part of the time required for the publication, proof
of which may be made by affidavit of any person acquainted with the facts.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.