To: JB Pritzker, Li Arellano, Ryan Spain
It’s Time to Modernize Illinois Public Notice Laws.
Illinois law still requires that public notices — like city meetings, zoning changes, and budget hearings — appear in print newspapers with paid circulation.
But in Henry County and many other communities, those papers no longer exist or reach only a handful of readers.
It’s time to update outdated laws so public notices can appear on verified, community-based digital platforms that are:
But in Henry County and many other communities, those papers no longer exist or reach only a handful of readers.
It’s time to update outdated laws so public notices can appear on verified, community-based digital platforms that are:
- ✅ Free to access
- 📱 Searchable and shareable
- 🌎 Truly public
Help us advocate for modern transparency — where public notices actually reach the public.
Why is this important?
In Henry County, our local newspaper has closed, and the county paper has fewer than 1000 subscribers. Meanwhile, The Geneseo Current reaches over 1 million monthly impressions — real visibility, right here at home.
We believe the public deserves open, accessible information in the digital age.
That’s why we’re calling on legislators to update Illinois’ public notice laws to allow verified digital publications — like The Current — to host official notices.
That’s why we’re calling on legislators to update Illinois’ public notice laws to allow verified digital publications — like The Current — to host official notices.