HB 586 Local government; publication of notices for charter changes, referenda, and public hearings

About HB-586

Local government; publication of notices for charter changes, referenda, and public hearings, etc.; alternatives. Gives localities alternatives to publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality for legal ads and other notices of proposed action. These alternatives include publication in at least two of the following forms of publication: (i) in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality, including such newspaper's online publication, if any; (ii) on the locality's website; (iii) on any public access channel operated by the locality, to be aired during prime time programming and at least two other times during the day; (iv) using any automated voice or text alert systems used by the locality; or (v) posting at the local public library established pursuant to §42.1-33, if any. In addition, the bill provides that any resident of the locality annually filing a written request for notification with the locality shall be provided notice by the locality in a manner mutually agreed upon by the locality and such individual. The request shall include the resident's name, address, zip code, daytime telephone number, and electronic mail address, if available. In selecting the methods of publication, the bill requires the locality to publish/advertise in a manner gauged to ensure that the maximum number of persons within the locality are likely to be informed of the existence and content of the proposed action. The bill contains technical amendments.