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HB 6526

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE PUBLICATION OF LEGAL NOTICES ON MUNICIPAL INTERNET WEB SITES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Fazzino and 3 co-sponsors

Connecticut municipalities can post legal notices on government websites instead of only newspapers, modernizing public notification while cutting costs but potentially excluding residents without internet access.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Planning and Development
#electronicgovernmentinformation #municipalities #notices
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6526

Legislative bill overview

HB 6526 authorizes Connecticut municipalities to publish legal notices on their official internet websites rather than exclusively in print newspapers. This modernizes the notice publication process by allowing digital alternatives while maintaining public access to legally required announcements such as zoning hearings, public meetings, and municipal actions.

Why is this important

Legal notices are critical transparency mechanisms that inform residents about government decisions affecting their communities and property. As newspaper circulation has declined significantly, many residents no longer access print publications, potentially creating information gaps about important municipal proceedings. This bill addresses the digital divide by meeting people where they access information today while reducing municipal printing costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Digital access equity: Not all residents have reliable internet access or digital literacy; print newspapers may still reach populations that online publication misses, raising concerns about equal notification
  • Newspaper industry impact: Local newspapers rely on legal notice advertising revenue; widespread digital publication could accelerate the decline of print media outlets that already struggle financially
  • Implementation standards: The bill lacks specifics about website accessibility requirements, retention periods, searchability standards, or what happens if municipal websites malfunction—leaving details to municipal discretion

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

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