SCS/HB 1145 - This act allows a successor newspaper of a defunct newspaper to interrupt publication for up to 30 consecutive days and still be eligible to publish public advertisements and legal publications. This act also changes the term "second class mail" to "periodicals class mail".

This act expands current law providing that legal notices and court orders be published at the local classified ad rate. The new language will also include publication of laws, nominations to office, proposed constitutional amendments and for any publication made on the account of the state, county, or public officer to also be at the local classified ad rate.

The act removes inconsistent language setting maximum rates for first classification charter counties, first classification non-charter counties, and St. Louis City.

Finally, the act expands the power of an oversight board which may qualify newspapers to publish public notices, to also include the power to review and approve rates. The added power acts as an exception to the otherwise established local classified ad rate.
CHARLES HATCHER