2022 -- H 7312

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LC004128

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUIREMENTS ACT

     Introduced By: Representatives Place, Chippendale, and Quattrocchi

     Date Introduced: February 02, 2022

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 42 of the General Laws entitled "STATE AFFAIRS AND

GOVERNMENT" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 162

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS ACT

     42-162-1. Public notice requirements.

     (a) Notwithstanding any public or general law to the contrary, effective January 1, 2023,

whenever it is required that notice be published in a newspaper by a municipality pursuant to law,

the publication of notice requirement shall be satisfied by publication in any newspaper in general

circulation within the municipality or by posting or publication on any other platform designated

by city or town ordinance.

     (b) Notwithstanding any public or general law to the contrary, effective January 1, 2023,

whenever a non-governmental individual or entity is required to provide notice by publication in a

newspaper pursuant to law, the publication of notice requirement shall be satisfied by publication

in one or more newspapers which individually or collectively provide circulation for all geographic

areas for which notice is required.

     (c) Notwithstanding any public or general law to the contrary, effective January 1, 2023,

whenever a department, agency, or office of the state is required to publish notice in a newspaper

pursuant to law, the publication of notice requirement may be satisfied by publication or posting

on the secretary of state and the department of administration websites.

     (d) The publication of notice requirements established pursuant to the provisions of this

section shall not apply to the notice provisions set forth in chapter 22 of title 33.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT - PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUIREMENTS ACT

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     This act would authorize municipalities to publish public notices in any newspaper in

circulation in the municipality or on any other platform designated by ordinance. Additionally,

private entities may publish public notice by publication in one or more newspapers circulated in

the geographic area where notice is required. Finally this act would provide that the state may

provide public notice by posting on the secretary of state and department of administration

websites. The notice provisions of this act do not apply to notice required in probate matters.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004128

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