Michigan HB 5560, the Local Government Public Notice Act, died in state senate committee at the end of the legislative session.
If the new house were to reintroduce the bill, which would phase out publication of public notices in newspapers by 2025, newly elected state Rep. Jim Tedder, R-District 43, wouldn’t automatically follow his predecessor Gail Haines’ “yes” vote.
“If it comes up, I’d love to come in an talk to you and get your concerns,” said Tedder, who was elected in November. “It’s important to talk to all parties affected ? the township, newspapers, seniors.”
Digital media may be the way of the future, but many people still prefer printed materials for information, he said.
“I see the value in printed offerings ? I personally look in the Clarkston News for notices,” he said. “We’re still a ways off where every citizen is comfortable with electronic materials. To be certain, citizens must have access to notices.”
He would also talk to local governments about their costs and concerns with it.
“I appreciate the spirit of saving costs ? I’m open to it, but I’m always reluctant to make impositions on local government,” he said.
The bill included provisions to allow government to publish public notices on their websites with no mechanisms or funding for third-party verification of publication, protection against power outages or hackers, or equipment and training for the municipal workers who would be charged with posting and archiving the notices.
The City of the Village of Clarkston’s website went down from Dec. 26-29 when its registration was allowed to expire.