An Act allowing "print-free" digital legal notices for the town of Westford

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero

Westford can publish legal notices digitally (newspapers' sites, local news sites meeting criteria, statewide or town repositories) in place of traditional print.

Read second and ordered to a third reading

Purpose and Intent

Authorizes the Town of Westford (including Westford public schools or their subdivisions, committees, boards, commissions, or offices) to meet legal notice publication requirements through digital means in addition to traditional print publications.

The goal is to allow a “print-free” option for publishing legally required notices, expanding beyond newspapers to digital platforms.

Key Provisions

Section 1 – Methods of Publication

Amends alternative publication options for legal notices required by statute, ordinance, by-law, or judicial order.

Affected entities in Westford may comply with publication requirements by one or more of the following digital or hybrid methods:

A print newspaper of local or general circulation (existing method).
A newspaper’s website.
Websites reporting local news and opinion that satisfy all criteria for digital publication as specified in subsection (c) of section 13 of chapter 4.
A statewide website maintained as a repository for such notices.
A town-wide website maintained as a repository for such notices.

Section 2 – Timing

Clarifies that the act does not change the timing or schedule requirements for publishing legal notices as dictated by the General Laws. The timing of notices remains as currently required.

Section 3 – Effective Date

The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected Parties and Scope

Primary: Town of Westford and Westford public schools (and their subdivisions, committees, boards, commissions, or offices) currently subject to legal notice publication requirements.

Broader implications: Establishes a framework for digital publication that could be used as a model for other municipalities, pending passage and potential future amendments.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Status: Referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (as of 2026-04-23).

Public language indicates a local option subject to municipal adoption; the bill requires action by the General Court and subsequent enactment.

No mandated pilot program or sunset provision is stated; the act would become law upon passage.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Accessibility and reach: Digital notices could improve accessibility for residents who rely on online information, while still accommodating those who access notices via newspapers.

Cost and efficiency: Potential reduction in print publication costs for the town and schools; potential costs associated with maintaining digital repositories and ensuring compliance with digital publication criteria.

Standards: References to “criteria for digital publication” in subsection (c) of section 13, chapter 4, indicate the need to meet established legal standards for digital notices (implied by the bill but not reproduced here).

Overall Assessment

H 5387 would provide Westford with a legal framework to publish certain required notices digitally, either in addition to or in place of traditional newspaper publication, while preserving statutory timing. It establishes multiple digital avenues (newspapers’ websites, local news sites meeting criteria, statewide repositories, or town websites) as acceptable channels for legal notices. The bill is local in scope and would take effect upon enactment.

Bill