Ever get the feeling politicians would prefer you did not know what they are up to? Well, House Bill 368 basically is that.
The bill, introduced Feb. 5, would allow government agencies to ditch independent newspapers and publish public notices exclusively on their own websites.
Sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Decker (R-Shelbyville) and backed by a lineup of lawmakers who clearly think transparency is optional, HB 368 threatens one of democracy’s most fundamental principles: an informed public.
Digital for some, silence for others
The biggest problem? Not everyone has reliable internet access—or any access at all. A sizable chunk of Kentuckians, particularly older residents, lower-income families and those in rural areas like Martin County, do not have broadband or even a computer. And yet, HB 368 assumes that shifting all public notices online will not leave anyone behind.
Meanwhile, newspapers remain the most reliable way to reach everyone. They show up at homes and businesses, no Wi-Fi or tech skills required. No digging through government websites, no surprise broken links—just information, printed and accessible.
Government-controlled information? What could go wrong?
There is also the pesky issue of accountability. Right now, public notices in newspapers exist in a fixed, verifiable format—unalterable, permanent and independently documented. When a government website is the sole publisher, what is stopping officials from tweaking, delaying or quietly removing notices that might be inconvenient?
Newspapers provide legal affidavits confirming publication. Government websites? Not so much. If a notice disappears, who is holding anyone accountable?
The cost excuse debunked
Supporters of HB 368 claim it will save local governments money. But a study by the Legislative Research Commission found that the cost of publishing public notices in newspapers is minimal. Transparency, it turns out, is not that pricy. And even if it were—shouldn’t keeping the public informed be worth it?
A government website no one reads
Newspapers have built-in readerships. People pick them up for news, sports, obituaries, local events—and public notices are right there in plain sight. A government website on the other hand is the digital equivalent of a bulletin board in a locked office: invisible to most, accessible to a few and ignored by almost everyone.
Besides, how many people have the time (or desire) to scour multiple government websites every day on the off chance something relevant to them has been posted? We check some of these sites. They are clunky, hard to navigate and often a nightmare to use. Many do not function properly on mobile devices.
Fight back: Tell your representative to vote no to HB 368
Let us be clear: HB 368 is a bad idea. It is a blatant move to make government actions less visible and less accessible. And it is on you to stop it.
Call your state representatives on the toll-free message line (1-800-372-7181) and tell them to vote NO on HB 368. Because transparency is not optional and government accountability should not depend on Wi-Fi.
Public notices belong where everyone can see them—in the local newspaper—not hidden away on a government-run website.
Email Representative Bobby McCool at Bobby.McCool@kylegislature.gov. Also email Senator Phillip Wheeler at Phillip.Wheeler@kylegislature.gov.