Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their town councils.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change how the towns of Burrillville and Glocester are allowed to publish official public notices. Currently, Rhode Island law requires municipalities to publish these notices — such as announcements about town meetings, zoning changes, or public hearings — in specific newspapers. This bill would give both towns more flexibility by allowing them to publish notices in any newspaper located within their town limits, rather than being locked into a particular publication.

Beyond print newspapers, the bill would also allow the town councils of Burrillville and Glocester to choose other ways to publish these notices, including digital platforms or other print outlets that the councils select themselves. This means residents might see official notices on a town website, a local online news outlet, or other approved platforms, in addition to or instead of a traditional newspaper.

The people most directly affected are residents of Burrillville and Glocester who rely on public notices to stay informed about local government decisions and opportunities to participate in civic matters. The bill gives town leaders more control over how they communicate with residents, which could make notices easier to find if more people access local information online. However, it also means residents should pay attention to where their town council decides to publish notices, as the location could change.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study rather than moving it forward immediately.