State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) is on board with putting an end to the state law requiring public and legal notices to be placed in local newspapers after a recent error by the Pickens County Herald cost taxpayers nearly $2 million.
While speaking Friday on Huntsville WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," Orr said it was "past time" to get rid of the law. He called the inevitable pushback about someone not owning a computer or having online access a "red-herring argument."
"Yeah, it's past time, but here's the pushback that will happen: 'What if they don't have computers?' 'What if they don't have internet?' 'The newspaper has been tried and tested for 200 years,' let's say. 'What about that one-off person that doesn't have access to the computers or doesn't know how to use the online and da-da-da?'" he outlined. "You know, it's just that red-herring argument."
Orr continued, "And you say, 'Well, how many people today are subscribing to newspapers for crying out loud?' 'Well, they can go to the library.' So, you know, little old Mrs. Jones, she's going ... walk down to the library with her cane and everything to see about some multi-million dollar bid that's available or project that's available. There she has access. And of course, don't state the obvious, she also has access to the internet at her local library. But that's where we are."
"You know, we need to address it," he continued. "We're not spending the taxpayer money wisely when it comes to the publication requirements, and there have been bills before. I've supported them, but we are where we are. And maybe legislators will be fed up enough to take some action in 2025."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email trent.baker@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
