Overhaul of Public Notice, Newspaper Legislation

NASHVILLE (April 12) — Lawmakers in Tennessee are actively debating a wave of bills that could significantly reshape the way public notices are delivered and the role of newspapers in government transparency. Several proposals currently moving through the General Assembly aim to modernize, consolidate or limit print publication requirements—raising questions about cost, access and digital equity.

Among the most consequential is HB 0773 / SB 0760, which would require websites hosting legal notices to remain fully accessible to the public without a paywall or subscription. The bill has advanced through key committees and is now scheduled for review by the House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee on April 14.

Other legislation targets foreclosure proceedings. SB 0727 / HB 1127 proposes reducing the number of newspaper publications required in foreclosure cases from three to one, while introducing a mandatory 20-day online posting period. A related bill, HB 2430, would go further—requiring a single newspaper publication and a separate $100 fee for listing on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website. Supporters argue these changes streamline outdated processes, while critics warn they could reduce public access and local accountability.

A parallel measure, HB 2114 / SB 2317, takes a hybrid approach by mandating public notices appear both in print and on qualifying local news websites. These must be county-based outlets that regularly update news content. Advocates say the dual-posting requirement maintains transparency while recognizing evolving media consumption habits.

Not all proposals have advanced. HB 0031, which would have allowed counties to bypass newspapers altogether by publishing notices solely on their official websites, was withdrawn on February 6.

Separate from public notices but still relevant to media regulation, HB 1891—the “Protecting Kids from Social Media Act”—took effect January 1, 2025. The law requires parental consent for minors to access social media platforms and has already drawn constitutional challenges from industry groups.

Together, these bills reflect a broader legislative trend toward digital-first communication, with direct implications for Tennessee’s newspaper industry and the future of public access to legal information.