Two new laws will require newspapers to publish legal notices, such as foreclosures, estate notices, public notices, advertisements to bid, public meeting notices, and others, online for free public access. Earlier this week, Lisa McGraw, Public Affairs Manager for the Michigan Press Association, said that the Association was thrilled that the bills were signed.
Newspapers will be prohibited from placing legal notices behind a pay wall. The bills are hoped to improve access to public information while maintain records that newspapers provide.
The sponsors of the Senate bills, Democrat Sylvia Santana of Detroit and Republican Curtis VanderWall of Ludington, called the legislation “overdue” and “meant to increase public transparency”.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
