JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A bill that would allow municipalities to post certain public notices online rather than in newspapers got kicked back to the House Rules Committee.
HB275, from Rep. Mike Hawker, was on Monday’s floor calendar. But instead of coming for a vote, it was sent to Rules, where bills sometimes go for additional work or until there is sufficient support for them to pass.
Committee Chair Craig Johnson said the bill was sent to Rules at Hawker’s request. He said his understanding was members were getting pressure to withdraw their support. Hawker declined immediate comment after leaving the floor.
While Hawker has cast the bill as a cost-saving measure, some newspaper publishers worry it could affect public’s right to know information about their government.
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