HB 3431
Expands the application of certain statutes requiring publication in a newspaper to allow publication in online news publications.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Commerce and Consumer Protection
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
57%
Oppose
43%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill expands the ways public notices can be published, allowing them to be posted online in addition to traditional newspapers. It amends several Oregon statutes related to public notices, including those concerning irrigation districts, road districts, and water rights. The bill changes the requirements for newspapers to publish notices, specifically updating definitions and procedures to accommodate online publication.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘digital newspaper’ as an online newspaper formatted similarly to a printed newspaper and produced in an archivable format.
- Updates the definition of ‘newspaper’ to include online news publications that meet specific criteria, such as local coverage and subscriber base.
- Modifies ORS 193.010 to clarify the requirements for a newspaper to qualify for publishing public notices, including subscriber numbers and local content requirements.
- Amends ORS 193.020 to allow public notices to be published in ‘news publications’ (both print and online) that meet certain criteria.
- Changes ORS 193.030 to specify that public notices for irrigation and road districts must be published in a newspaper within the district.
- Updates ORS 193.070 regarding proof of publication, allowing affidavits to be filed with the clerk or county clerk.
- Modifies ORS 193.080 to outline the process for filing affidavits of publication.
- Repeals ORS 193.040, 193.050, and 193.100, which were previously related to public notice requirements.
Who is affected
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3431 emphasize the need for modernizing Oregon's public notice requirements to ensure transparency and public access to information. They argue that this is crucial, particularly in small communities where a locally published newspaper can provide essential reach and engagement. The bill aims to broaden the range of news organizations allowed to publish legally required notices, bridging the information gap in rural areas where local newspapers have declined. By expanding statutes to include online news publications, supporters believe Oregon can preserve the fundamental purpose of public notice laws while adapting to changing access habits, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and informed citizenry.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the bill argue that lowering standards for legal notice publication would undermine the effectiveness and integrity of this critical function, reducing transparency and public access. They emphasize the importance of preserving local democracy and supporting communities through newspapers like Columbia Gorge News, which rely on public notices to ensure transparency in local government. The removal of these notices from newspapers would also eliminate coverage of important public issues, potentially leading to more newspaper closures. Furthermore, opponents express concerns about the immutability of legal advertising and public notices on digital platforms, highlighting the need for preservation in traditional media outlets like newspapers.