PUBLIC NOTICE AND LEGAL ADVERTISING FAQ

Q: What does Texas law require?

A: Texas law does not establish a permanent statewide designation formally called a “newspaper of record.” Instead, the law generally refers to a qualifying “newspaper of general circulation” for the publication of required legal and public notices.
   These notices may include government budgets, tax sales, probate matters, election notices and other legally required announcements.
   Under Texas Government Code Section 2051.044, a qualifying newspaper generally must meet several standards:
   General content: At least 25% of the newspaper’s total column space must be devoted to items of general public interest.
   Publication frequency: The newspaper must be published at least once each week.
   Postal status: The newspaper must be entered as second-class or Periodicals mail in the county where it is published.
   Publication history: The newspaper must have been published regularly and continuously for at least 12 months before the notice is published.
   Cities, counties, school districts and other governing entities must use a qualifying publication when the law requires newspaper publication of a public notice.

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Q: Can a governing entity publish required notices in a digital-only newspaper?

A: Certain Texas law changes allow some governmental entities to publish notices in a qualifying digital newspaper when no qualifying printed newspaper exists in the county.
   When a qualifying printed newspaper is available, the printed publication generally takes precedence over a digital-only publication.
   Because Jasper County is currently served by an existing printed newspaper, legally required notices must continue to be published in a qualifying printed newspaper.

Q: Can a governing entity publish notices through The Silsbee Bee?
A: Yes. The Silsbee Bee is distributed in portions of Jasper County and may provide an option for governing entities seeking publication in a qualifying newspaper of general circulation.
   For the next year, while Jasper County News completes its qualification period, Phillips Publishing LLC can place and bill qualifying legal notices through The Silsbee Bee and publish the same notices in Jasper County News at no additional charge.
   The notice would be billed through The Silsbee Bee because it is the qualifying publication. The same notice would then appear in Jasper County News without an additional publication fee.
   This arrangement would provide publication in both newspapers for the cost of placement in the qualifying newspaper, expanding the notice’s exposure across Jasper and Hardin counties.
   Before relying on any publication to satisfy a specific statutory notice requirement, the governing entity should confirm with its legal counsel that the newspaper and proposed publication method meet all requirements applicable to that notice.

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Q: How are Jasper County News and The Silsbee Bee connected?

A: Jasper County News and The Silsbee Bee are sister newspapers owned by Phillips Publishing LLC. Sister newspapers commonly serve neighboring counties while sharing certain administrative, production, advertising and distribution resources.
   The distribution of both newspapers is expected to increase during 2026. At many Jasper County locations, Jasper County News will be displayed prominently, with The Silsbee Bee available nearby. In Hardin County, The Silsbee Bee will receive primary placement, with Jasper County News also available at selected locations.
   We also plan to place newspaper racks for both publications at high-traffic locations, including grocery stores, post offices and other frequently visited businesses and public areas.

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Q: How can a governing entity submit news and information?
A: Governing entities, employees and community members are encouraged to submit news, announcements, photographs, meeting information and other items for possible publication.
   Our website includes dedicated sections for local education, sports and community news. We are also developing a network of journalists and community correspondents to expand coverage throughout Jasper County.

Phillips Publishing LLC has more than 30 years of newspaper experience and a long history of training interns and mentoring aspiring journalists. Students interested in journalism, photography, sports reporting or community news coverage are encouraged to contact us.
   For additional information or to discuss public notice placement, advertising or news coverage, please contact Dennis Phillips: dennis@jasperconews.com, 979-250-2733.