P.L. 2025, c. 72 has changed the publication requirements for official public notices. Beginning January 1, 2026 local governments (municipalities, counties, boards of education, and special districts) must publish public notices twice a month through December 31, 2026. The public notice must include the link to the municipality’s webpage for official notices. The notice must include complete text that each legal notice of the local government may be obtained or viewed on the public entity’s official website and provide the hyperlink.

Starting on March 1, 2026, local governments must publish their legal notices on their official websites. This, however, does not prohibit local governments from using print publications in addition to publishing notices on their official websites. A municipality may publish legal notices in a print or online newspaper if they choose, but they still must publish them on their municipal website. If a local unit uses an online news publication, it must prominently display a hyperlink on its website to the online news publication. Online newspapers must publish any legal notices they receive within 24 hours of receipt. Cost to publish online notices cannot exceed the rate established in N.J.S.A. 35:2-1.