A proposed update to Pennsylvania’s public notice laws has raised concerns among independent digital news publishers, including right here in Berks County.
House Bill 1291, introduced in April 2025, aims to modernize how public notices—such as government announcements, legal filings, and meeting advertisements—are published and made available to residents. The legislation seeks to address changes in the news industry, including the decline of printed newspapers and the growing role of digital media.
However, while the bill introduces provisions for digital publications, its structure could prevent newer, digital-only news outlets from participating in the public notice process, even in the communities they serve.
How the Bill Works
Currently, Pennsylvania law requires public notices to be published in newspapers of “general circulation”—a designation long held by printed newspapers. HB 1291 maintains this requirement but adds new definitions for “digital newspapers” and “online-only newspapers.”
Under the bill, public notices would continue to be published by printed newspapers where available. Only if no qualifying printed newspaper exists in an area would a digital or online-only publication be allowed to fulfill that role.
The criteria to qualify as a “digital newspaper” include:
- A minimum history of publishing for two years.
- Content primarily focused on local news and community issues.
- Regular updates and archived content.
- Adherence to traditional journalism standards.
For “online-only newspapers,” the requirements are even stricter, including daily content updates, business registration, and specific editorial content ratios.
What This Means for Berks County
In Berks County, the Reading Eagle—which has a long history as a printed newspaper—would retain its ability to publish public notices, even if it were to cease its print edition and continue operations digitally.
That’s because the bill’s structure effectively grandfathers in legacy newspapers with a print history, allowing them to transition to digital formats while maintaining exclusive rights to publish public notices.
For independent digital-only publications like Berks Weekly, this presents a challenge. Despite serving local audiences and providing in-depth community coverage, Berks Weekly would not be eligible to publish public notices in areas where a legacy newspaper like the Reading Eagle still qualifies.
In practical terms, unless the Reading Eagle ceases operations entirely or fails to meet the bill’s criteria, newer digital outlets would remain excluded from public notice publishing in Berks County.
Local Representation on the Bill
Two state representatives from Berks County are among the co-sponsors of House Bill 1291: Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (129th District), who represents parts of Reading and surrounding communities, and Rep. Mark Gillen (128th District), whose district includes portions of southern and western Berks County. Their support ties Berks County directly to the legislative effort, making the bill’s potential impact on local news outlets and public access to information especially relevant to area residents.
Implications for Small Publishers and Readers
Public notices have traditionally provided a source of revenue for newspapers while ensuring transparency in government operations. For small, independent publishers, the ability to participate in this process represents not only a potential financial opportunity but also an important public service to their communities.
Critics of HB 1291 argue that by preserving legacy advantages, the bill may inadvertently limit competition and innovation in local journalism. Independent digital publications, despite being more nimble and often more engaged with modern audiences, would face regulatory barriers that favor long-established newspapers.
For readers, this could mean fewer options to access public notices through the platforms they already use for local news.
What a Fair Public Notice Bill Should Do
While modernization of Pennsylvania’s public notice laws is necessary, an ideal bill would recognize the valuable role of independent, digital-only news outlets that are actively serving their local communities. Rather than limiting eligibility to legacy print publications, future legislation should prioritize audience reach, accessibility, transparency, and local relevance—regardless of whether the publication began as a print product or a digital platform. Ensuring that public notices are accessible through multiple trusted local sources, including emerging digital media, would promote broader community awareness while fostering healthy competition in the news industry.
Looking Ahead
While HB 1291 is intended to modernize Pennsylvania’s public notice laws, its current framework may reinforce the market dominance of legacy newspapers, even as the industry shifts further toward digital media.
For independent publishers like Berks Weekly, the bill poses important questions about fairness, competition, and the evolving role of local news outlets in serving their communities.
The bill is currently under consideration in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
More Perspectives from Pennsylvania News Outlets
LebTown: Public notice law needs modernization, but newspaper bill would hurt taxpayers
Levittown Now: Our View – Public notice law needs modernization, but newspaper bill would hurt taxpayers
StateCollege.com: Public notice law needs modernization, but newspaper bill would hurt taxpayers
Gettysburg Connection: Proposed revisions to state newspaper laws would hurt Adams County taxpayers and Gettysburg Connection
Shenandoah Sentinel: Editorial – Proposed public notice modernization is step in wrong direction for local taxpayers
Hello, West Chester: Public notice law needs modernization, but newspaper bill would hurt taxpayers
TAPinto Doylestown: State legislators should allow digital publishers like TAPinto Doylestown to publish meeting notices
NorthCentralPA.com: Op-Ed – Public notice law needs modernization, but newspaper bill would hurt taxpayers
MoreThanTheCurve.com: Opinion – Public notice law needs modernization, but newspaper bill would hurt taxpayers
