Mississippi Senate Bill SB2251

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/14/26
• Failed: 2/3/26

Caption

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 17-3-3, 17-5-1, 17-11-37, 17-11-45, 17-17-107, 17-17-109, 17-17-227, 17-17-237, 17-17-309, 17-17-311, 17-17-329, 17-17-337, 17-17-348, 17-18-17, 17-21-53, 19-3-1, 19-3-11, 19-3-19, 19-3-33, 19-3-35,19-3-67, 19-3-79, 19-5-9, 19-5-21, 19-5-23, 19-5-81, 19-5-92.1, 19-5-155, 19-5-157, 19-5-189, 19-5-199, 19-5-207, 19-5-219, 19-5-221, 19-7-3, 19-7-21, 19-9-11, 19-9-13, 19-9-27, 19-9-111, 19-9-114, 19-11-7, 19-13-53, 19-15-3, 19-23-5, 19-27-31, 19-29-7, 19-29-9, 19-29-18, 19-29-33, 19-31-7, 19-31-9, 19-31-23 AND 19-31-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MODERNIZE AND SIMPLIFY THE NOTICE PUBLICATION PROCESS FOR COUNTIES BY ALLOWING ONLINE PUBLICATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION IN COUNTIES WHERE THERE IS NO NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED OR LOCATED WITHIN THE COUNTY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Impact

The proposed legislation impacts sections of the Mississippi Code related to the administrative processes of counties. By permitting online notices, it is expected that this will streamline the way counties communicate essential information to their residents, particularly in rural areas where traditional newspaper publication may not be viable. The bill supports greater accessibility for citizens to receive notifications of public interest, including tax levy proposals, public hearings for district creation, and other administrative announcements. Overall, it is designed to modernize county communication practices, potentially reducing the costs associated with newspaper advertising.

Summary

Senate Bill 2251 aims to modernize and simplify the notification process for counties in the State of Mississippi by allowing them to publish certain legal notices on their official websites in counties where no local newspapers are published. This bill seeks to enhance transparency and increase public access to important governmental information. Within the framework of SB2251, counties will retain the option to publish notices in newspapers if they choose to do so, ensuring that the law accommodates both traditional and modern methods of communication.

Contention

Opposition to SB2251 primarily stems from concerns regarding the potential digital divide and ensuring that all residents, particularly those without internet access, remain informed about important county matters. Critics argue that while increasing online publication is progressive, it should not fully replace traditional methods without ensuring that provisions are in place for residents who depend on newspapers. Furthermore, amendments to various sections of the Mississippi Code suggest a significant overhaul in how counties interact with their constituents, leading to discussions about the adequacy and reliability of digital communications in reaching all members of the community.