UPDATE (11/20/19):
Gov. Tony Evers signed the electronic affidavit bill into law on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Following publication in the state newspaper, it will become effective immediately.
ORIGINAL POST (11/7/19):
MADISON – Newspapers in Wisconsin will likely soon have the option to send proof of legal notice publication to municipalities and other customers in an easier and more efficient manner.
Assembly Bill 112, which would allow public notice affidavits to be sent via email, received unanimous support Tuesday from the Wisconsin state Senate. The bill — initiated by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association — was approved last month by the state Assembly. It now heads to Gov. Tony Evers’ desk for signature.
“The WNA would like to thank the bill sponsors, Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and Sen. Andre Jacque (R-DePere), for their support of the newspaper industry and for their efforts in seeing the measure through to passage,” said WNA Executive Director Beth Bennett.
- RELATED: Read electronic affidavits testimony
Currently, a hard-copy affidavit, along with a clipping of the public notice, must be provided.
“This change to Wisconsin’s public notice law updates the proof of publication process to reflect current digital practices and continues newspapers’ long-standing tradition of serving as a critically important independent reporter between units of government and the taxpayers,” Bennett said.
The WNA will issue guidelines for best practices when issuing electronic proof of publication in the coming weeks.
