A bill for an act relating to proofs of publication of public notices.(Formerly HSB 247.)

House File 877 (HF877) is a bill introduced in the Iowa House of Representatives during the 2025 legislative session. The bill aims to amend Section 618.11 of the Iowa Code, which pertains to the fees associated with the publication and proof of publication of public notices. Specifically, HF877 seeks to define "proof of publication" as a document that includes the published content, the date of publication, and the name of the newspaper where it was published, or a statement indicating that the document was posted on the statewide public notice internet site. Additionally, the bill allows newspapers to charge a fee, not exceeding the actual costs of preparation, for proofs of publication that include extra elements, such as a notarized affidavit requested by a government body. Furthermore, HF877 stipulates that a proof of publication shall be considered an admissible writing or record under Iowa's rules of evidence. ([legiscan.com](https://legiscan.com/IA/text/HF877/id/3158435?utm_source=openai))

While specific media coverage on HF877 is limited, the bill's provisions are likely to be viewed positively by government bodies and legal professionals. By clearly defining "proof of publication" and allowing for reasonable fees for additional elements, the bill aims to streamline the process of public notice publication and enhance the admissibility of such documents in legal proceedings. These changes could lead to more efficient and transparent communication between government entities and the public.

There is no significant media coverage indicating negative reactions to HF877. However, some stakeholders might express concerns about the potential for increased costs associated with the publication of public notices, especially if the fees for additional elements are perceived as burdensome. Additionally, the bill's emphasis on the admissibility of proofs of publication in legal proceedings could raise questions about the adequacy of electronic postings compared to traditional newspaper publications.