HARRISBURG – Legislation drafted by Senator Pat Stefano (R-32) to bring additional transparency and accountability to government by amending the Sunshine Act took effect on Sunday, Aug. 29. The new law protects the public’s right to be informed and present at government proceedings.
To strengthen the Sunshine Act’s intent and ensure that the public can be fully informed when following governmental proceedings, Act 65 of 2021 requires agencies to make their meeting agendas available to the public at least 24 hours before the meeting. Further, once the agenda has been finalized and posted for the public, the agency may not take any official action on any item that is not listed on the notice, except in emergency situations or to consider insignificant matters.
“Government is most effective when the people it is designed to serve take an active role, and my bill would help facilitate that. It’s important that as Pennsylvanians become more interested in government, we ensure they are provided with information about what will be considered to effectively participate in the issues that matter to them,” Senator Stefano said.
CONTACT: Jake Gery, jgery@pasen.gov