Focus on New Laws: Public Notice Requirements Amended When a Designated Newspaper Closes

A new law provides interim public notice procedures for cities when their designated newspaper closes.

In recent years, several cities have faced challenges complying with public notice requirements due to the abrupt closure of local newspapers. A legislative change included in Chapter 39, effective May 24, 2025, amends Minnesota Statute, section 331A.10, to clarify how cities should proceed when their designated qualified newspaper ceases operation.

Previously, there was no clarity regarding what to do in those circumstances. The law now outlines procedures cities must follow during the interim period before designating an alternate qualified newspaper, specifically:

• If publication is required by court order: The court or judge may modify the order to designate a different newspaper for public notice.
• If publication is required by law, rule, or ordinance: Notices may be published in any other qualified newspaper.

If no other qualified newspaper is available, the city must post the required notices on both its official website and the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s (MNA) statewide public notice website. This method can be used until another qualified newspaper is identified.

The League collaborated closely with the Association of Minnesota Counties and the Minnesota Newspaper Association to draft this legislation. We continue to support local flexibility for cities to choose the communication methods that best serve their residents and community.

Additional resources

• To be considered “qualified,” a newspaper must specific statutory requirements. View the League of Minnesota Cities Newspaper Publication information memo for more information on qualified newspaper criteria, required notices, and more.
• Cities can also post public notices on the MNA’s statewide public notice website regardless of the operational status of their newspaper.

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