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AB-1444 • 2026

Publication: newspapers of general circulation.

Publication: newspapers of general circulation.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Flora
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
Died on inactive file.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill's status as 'Died on inactive file' means it did not become law and its provisions do not apply.

Public Notices in Newspapers

The bill requires public notices that must be published in newspapers to also appear on the newspaper's website and a statewide online repository managed by California newspapers.

What This Bill Does

  • Defines what a 'newspaper of general circulation' is, including requirements like regular publication and having paying subscribers.
  • Requires any legally required public notice to be printed in the newspaper’s print edition.
  • Also requires these notices to appear on the newspaper's website or electronic version available online.
  • Adds that these notices must also be posted on a statewide internet site managed by California newspapers.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Newspapers of general circulation
  • People who need to see public notices

Terms To Know

newspaper of general circulation
A newspaper that meets certain criteria, like regular publication and having paying subscribers.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens if a newspaper fails to comply with the new requirements.
  • It is unclear how this will affect smaller newspapers without an online presence.
  • There are no details on who funds or manages the statewide internet repository for notices.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    Died on inactive file.

  2. 2025-06-04 California Legislative Information

    Ordered to inactive file at the request of Assembly Member Flora.

  3. 2025-03-27 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

  4. 2025-03-26 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 25).

  5. 2025-03-13 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on JUD.

  6. 2025-02-24 California Legislative Information

    Read first time.

  7. 2025-02-22 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 24.

  8. 2025-02-21 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1444, as introduced, Flora.
Publication: newspapers of general circulation.
Existing law requires various types of notices to be provided in a “newspaper of general circulation,” as that term is defined, in accordance with certain prescribed publication periods and legal requirements. Existing law requires a newspaper of general circulation to meet certain criteria, including publication, a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers, and printing and publishing at regular intervals in the state, county, or city where publication is to be given.
This bill would require any public notice that is legally required to be published in a newspaper of general circulation to be published in the newspaper’s print publication, on the newspaper’s internet website or electronic newspaper available on the internet, and on the statewide internet website maintained as a repository for notices by a majority of California newspapers
of general circulation, as specified.
This bill would include related legislative findings and declarations.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF