SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The California News Publishers Association (CNPA) is disappointed with Governor Gavin Newsom’ s decision to veto AB 2095 (Maienschein), which would have taken important steps to modernize the publishing of public notices while maintaining the print protections for notices.

AB 2095 would have expanded digital access for the public in one central location. Under the bill, which took into account minority newspapers who were already in compliance with AB 2095, public notices would have to be placed in the newspaper’s print publication, on the newspaper’s internet website or electronic newspaper and on a statewide website that is a repository that would have been free to the public and searchable in expanding the reach of these important notices.

“Public notice remains a vital service to the residents of California as they not only rely on print editions of newspapers for public notices regarding governing body activities and other information, but on issues that may also impact them, including environmental hazards, financial matters, and many other issues that impact communities,” said Charles Ford Champion II, president and CEO of the California News Publishers Association. “While we had some important legislative wins this year, including AB 224, we are disappointed with the Governor’s decision to not see the urgency and importance of this vital bill. We want to thank our bill author, Assemblymember Maienschein for this commitment to news publishers and local communities statewide.”

The California News Publishers Association remains committed to the protection and promotion of adjudicated newspapers across California, while ensuring that the more than 10 million Californians who rely on home-delivered print newspapers or their e-editions for news remain intact and viable into the future for all communities including ethnic, minority, elderly, and rural populations.  

About CNPA

The California News Publishers Association represents hundreds of publications throughout the state of California and has been established since 1888. For years, the California News Publishers Association has protected the interests of newspapers through member services, a legal helpline for members, and legislative advocacy on behalf of the industry, from the smallest weekly to the largest metropolitan daily. To learn more, visit https://cnpa.com/.