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HB 31

County Government - As introduced, authorizes county governments to publish required public notices on the applicable county's website in lieu of publication in a newspaper of general circulation as long as such publication complies with all other requirements for publication, including the period for publication. - Amends TCA Section 1-3-120; Title 5; Title 8, Chapter 44 and Title 10, Chapter 7.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Zachary

Bill allows Tennessee counties to post required public notices on county websites instead of newspapers, reducing costs but potentially limiting reach to digitally disconnected residents.

Withdrawn.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 31

Legislative bill overview

HB 31 allows Tennessee county governments to publish legally required public notices on their official websites instead of in traditional newspapers, provided all other publication requirements (including minimum publication periods) are met. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code to permit this digital alternative across various types of required notices.

Why is this important

Public notices inform citizens about government actions, hearings, and opportunities for community input. This bill reflects the shift toward digital communication but raises questions about who actually sees these notices—newspaper readers and those actively visiting county websites may not overlap. It could reduce costs for counties while potentially decreasing public awareness if not widely promoted.

Potential points of contention

  • Digital access equity: Not all county residents have reliable internet access or routinely check government websites, potentially reducing notice visibility for vulnerable populations
  • Newspaper industry impact: Local newspapers depend on legal notice advertising revenue; this change could accelerate their financial decline in rural counties
  • Implementation standards: The bill doesn't specify website accessibility requirements (mobile-friendly, searchable, archived), leaving compliance details unclear
  • Notice effectiveness: Counties may lack resources to promote notices beyond posting them, unlike newspapers that reach broad audiences

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

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