On March 1st, 2026, a new statute took effect that changed New Jersey’s public notice requirements. Under P.L. 2025 c. 72, if an existing statute requires a party to post a public legal notice, they may no longer post the notice in a print based newspaper, which had been custom for decades. Rather, the new law shifts the method of posting to websites and online platforms.
If a non-public entity such as a business or individual is required to publish a legal notice, it must be posted in an “eligible online news publication,” and must satisfy certain requirements in accordance with the underlying statute to ensure proper accessibility to the public. For example, if a developer applies for a zoning variance which requires a public hearing, the developer must now publish a notice of the hearing online to ensure members of the community have an opportunity to attend and comment on the variance.
When a public entity, such as a municipality or government body is required to post a legal notice, their obligation will now be met by publishing on the entity’s official website. A hyperlink to access legal notices must be clearly visible on the site’s homepage, and the relevant notice must also remain on the website for the period required by the underlying statue. Under the new notice law, the public entity must also establish an online archive of legal notices which must be operational by July 1st, 2026, and archived notices must remain accessible for one year.
The new law does not change any substantive notice requirements or dictate which party is required to publish, which is still governed by the underlying statute requiring the notice. These new requirements have particular significance for builders, developers, and other entities that frequently encounter public notice requirements. Failure to follow the updated notice requirements may expose entities to procedural challenges.
If your organization would like assistance reviewing internal policies and procedures or preparing for these upcoming changes, our attorneys are available to help you navigate the evolving legal landscape.
