Pennsylvania lawmakers pass bill to strengthen Sunshine Act transparency

Pennsylvania lawmakers have sent a bill to Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk intended to close a loophole in the state’s Sunshine Act. The transparency law requires local and state government bodies, such as school boards and municipal councils, to publish voting agendas at least 24 hours before public meetings.

The legislation follows a state Supreme Court decision late last year that expanded the exceptions allowing governments to bypass the 24-hour notice requirement. Advocates warned that the ruling could allow officials to add controversial or unpopular items to meeting agendas at the last minute without public awareness.

Authored by State Senators Patrick Stefano and Jarrett Coleman, the bill seeks to clarify and restrict these exceptions. The measure passed the state Senate unanimously in June and cleared the House with an 182-21 vote on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Governor Shapiro indicated that he intends to sign the bill into law.