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H 5486

An Act allowing 'print free' digital legal notices for the town of Wayland

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David Linsky

Wayland may satisfy legal notice requirements entirely by approved digital publications, replacing traditional print notices if local boards vote to accept multiple digital options

Senate concurred
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Bill Summary · H 5486

Overview

Bill H.5486 (Session 194th) from Massachusetts proposes allowing the Town of Wayland to satisfy legal notice requirements through digital publication rather than traditional print newspaper notices. The measure is optional, not mandatory, and is designed to address changes in the local newspaper industry.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a framework for Wayland and its subdivisions to publish legally required notices digitally.
  • Reflect the evolving landscape of print media by permitting “print free” digital notices as an alternative to newspaper publication.
  • Allow local elected bodies to determine appropriate digital channels through a formal voting process.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Policy statement establishing that Wayland may satisfy legal notice requirements entirely by digital publication if approved by its officials.
  • Section 2: Expands acceptable publication venues beyond print newspapers to include:
    • Print publication in a newspaper of local or general circulation (traditional option)
    • A newspaper’s website
    • Other digital venues that meet criteria for digital publication (as defined by law)
    • A statewide website maintained as a repository for notices
    • A town-wide website maintained as a repository for notices
  • Section 3: Requesting authorities for Wayland:
    • For town boards and officials (e.g., Select Board, Town Manager, Town Clerk, Zoning Board, Conservation Commission, etc.), the Select Board must vote by majority to determine at least two of the digital/print publication options listed in Section 2.
    • For Wayland Public School boards and officials (e.g., School Committee, etc.), the School Committee must vote by majority to determine at least two of the options.
    • Both the Select Board and School Committee may later revise their publication methods by majority vote.
  • Section 4: Clarifies that the act does not alter the timing or schedule for the publication of legal notices.
  • Section 5: Effective date upon passage.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Town of Wayland and its subdivisions, including:
    • Wayland Town government departments and elected/appointed boards (e.g., Select Board, Town Manager, Town Clerk, Police/Fire, Building Department, etc.)
    • Wayland Public Schools and related committees (e.g., School Committee)
  • Local newspapers and digital publishers that may host notices
  • Residents and businesses in Wayland who rely on public notices for zoning, permit hearings, meetings, and other legal announcements

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • The bill requires local approval via votes by the Select Board and the School Committee to establish the digital notice framework.
  • It does not change statutory notice timing; the timing remains as currently required by law.
  • The act would take effect upon passage.

Potential Impact

  • Increased flexibility and potential cost savings for Wayland by moving away from mandatory print notices.
  • Expanded accessibility of notices via digital platforms, potentially improving public access to governmental actions.
  • Requires establishment and maintenance of compliant digital repositories and selection processes by local boards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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