Legislation concering legal notices  and transparency and accountability in state and local government unanimously passed the House.

House Bill 3062, authored by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, creates a duplication that asks municipalities to post legal notices online in addition to printing in a newspaper. As we transition into a digital world, this change allows newspapers to continue as the vehicle for government legal notices as their delivery model evolves.

“As a lawmaker, I want to make government more accessible for the citizens that live in House District 34,” Ranson said. “The government and newspapers have a mutually beneficial relationship when it comes to the transparency of legal notices. This legislation allows that bond to continue in a digital world.”

Newspaper revenue and subscription rates have declined across the country since the mid-2000s. However, according to Pew Research, website traffic has again begun to grow. The proposed statute modifies the law to expand the reach of the notices without hurting local newspapers.

“House Bill 3062 makes sure Oklahomans have improved access to public notices,” said Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, the bill’s Senate author. “Hopefully, this bill will increase the sustainability of local news outlets and the role they play in keeping citizens informed.”

HB3062 is now eligible to be heard by the Senate.