HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sens. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Jarrett Coleman (R-16) to strengthen government transparency and protect the public’s right to know was approved by the House of Representatives today and sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
“I’m proud we were able to get this legislation over the finish line, further ensuring that Pennsylvanians aren’t left in the dark about important decisions being made,” Stefano said. “A productive government, at any level, thrives on transparency. There’s value in knowledge, and the public deserves to be informed and engaged in the process that shapes our communities. By strengthening the Sunshine Act, we’re reinforcing accountability and protecting every Pennsylvanians’ right to know.”
“Transparency only works when the public can see what’s coming. No one wants to wake up to learn that a major project like a data center was approved in their backyard without notice,” Coleman said. “Today’s House vote sends a clear message that Pennsylvanians deserve notice before their local governments act on consequential matters, not after. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support this bill earned in both chambers.”
Senate Bill 1150, clarifies Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act to ensure public agencies provide meaningful notice before acting on important matters. The bill reinforces the 24-hour agenda posting requirement established under Act 65 of 2021 and ensures exceptions for emergencies and “de minimis” – or minor – matters remain limited.
The legislation was drafted following a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that allowed agencies to add agenda items and take official action on them with a simple majority vote, even when those items were not included on a publicly posted agenda.
STEFANO CONTACT: Amanda Cuteri, 717-787-7175
COLEMAN CONTACT: Leo Knepper