Right now, newspapers have a monopoly on the publication of Public Notices. You know, those ads you see in super-tiny print next to the want ads in the local paper? Representative David Stevens, however, has a different idea. Let's allow Public Notices to be published online or in printed newspapers. If his bill passes, competition for Public Notices will go up, prices should go down. Taxpayers will benefit as their governmental agencies won't have to pay nearly as much in fees (estimated to be over $1.8 million in Arizona alone).
It will also make public notices more available world wide, allow for better, more readable formatting, better access for those with disabilities, and more information to be shared, such as links to maps, bid specifications, agendas and more.
Newspapers aren't supporting this because they believe they are the watchdog over Public Notices. They also question the ability for online entities to offer verification, and serve those who don't get the Internet.
See http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/opinion/article_605be59a-4e92-11e1-a963-0019bb2963f4.html
The Technology and Infrastructure Committee are expected to vote on this bill Thursday morning. Please contact them and let them know you want them to vote yes! Contact info - http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp
Here are the committee members - David Stevens (R) - bill sponsor
Sally Ann Gonzales (D)
Justin Pierce (R)
Carl Seel (R)
Bruce Wheeler (D)
Terri Proud (R)
Jeff Dial (R)
Bill info - http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=HB2403&Session_ID=107
For more information about this bill and why it needs to pass, read this article by Lynne LaMaster of eNewsAZ - http://www.scribd.com/doc/80822637/OnlinePublicNoticesHB2403
1 comment:
I could not agree more. There is a blog that has been covering this issue in various states.
legal-notice.org/blog
They have come up with a method of posting notices that has so much more functionality than the newspaper. It links to maps, links to your calendar so you know when meetings will be held, provides you e-mailed alerts of upcoming meetings, has the ability to provide an affidavit. Arizona has provided way more resistance than any other state. What you are all doing is great and will save the taxpayers money.
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