A bill for an act relating to the publication of certain public notices by designated public entities, providing for fees, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

Iowa Senate Study Bill 3183 (SSB3183) proposed shifting the publication of certain public notices from traditional print media to an online portal managed by the Secretary of State. This portal would serve as the primary platform for public posting entities—such as state agencies, counties, cities, public school districts, and certain private agencies—to publish legally required public notices. The bill also introduced a $5 fee for each notice posted, with the collected funds allocated to a newly established Public Notice Administration Fund, capped at $350,000. The fund's purpose was to support the administration of the online portal. Additionally, the bill outlined the responsibilities of public posting entities, including timely posting of notices and maintaining records of such postings. However, the bill did not progress beyond the subcommittee stage and ultimately died in committee.

Positive media analysis is being generated.

Although direct media reactions to SSB3183 are not found, critics of comparable bills typically express concerns about the digital divide, noting that not all citizens have reliable internet access, which could limit the reach of public notices. There are also apprehensions about the security and reliability of online platforms, as well as potential challenges in ensuring that all public posting entities comply with the new requirements. Furthermore, the introduction of posting fees might be viewed as an additional financial burden on public entities, particularly smaller municipalities or agencies with limited budgets.