SB218 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Legal notices, electronic publication of legal notices on Internet websites, authorized, statewide website, Secs. 6-8-60, 6-8-62, 6-8-64 am'd.

Summary

SB218 would require legal notices to be published online in addition to print, at no extra cost, and would protect notice validity if online posting fails while also shifting notices to publication-class mailing.

What This Bill Does

It would allow and require electronic publication of legal notices by newspapers that maintain websites, posting the notices on both the newspaper's site and a statewide internet repository. Publication of notices online would be free for the government or the party requesting the notice. Notices would remain valid if online posting fails due to the fault of the newspaper, an internet provider, or the statewide website, and the bill would move legal notice mailing to publication-class mail instead of second-class mail.

Who It Affects

• Government agencies and private parties who request legal notices, who would benefit from free online publication and statewide visibility.
• Newspapers that publish legal notices (and the entities hosting their online platforms or the statewide website), who would be required to post online, upload to the statewide site, and would be prohibited from charging extra for electronic publication.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes electronic publication of legal notices and requires newspapers with internet websites to publish notices online in addition to print, plus publication on a statewide internet website.
• Requires a statewide website to serve as a repository for notices uploaded by newspapers and require posting on the newspaper's own site if one exists, at no extra cost to government or notice requester.
• Protects the validity of notices if online posting fails due to fault of the newspaper, internet provider, or statewide website.
• Prohibits newspapers from charging additional fees for electronic publication of legal notices and adjusts mailing rules so legal notices are sent under publication-class mail for publication purposes.
• Amends Sections 6-8-60, 6-8-62, and 6-8-64 to implement these electronic publication rules and related provisions.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Notice, Legal