RALEIGH (AP) — A pair of bills to let local governments in many North Carolina counties post required legal notices online instead of running ads in local newspapers has cleared a House committee.
A House judiciary committee voted Wednesday for legislation sought by local government officials, but fought by the state’s newspapers. The bills next stop is the full House. One bill already approved in the Senate would cover city and county governments in 10 counties. A House bill would add several more counties.
Supporters of the bill argue the measure would give governments the option to save money and become more efficient through online postings. The North Carolina Press Association is fighting the measures because it says people wouldn’t see the notices. Rural newspapers also could be hurt by ad revenue losses.