HARRISBURG – Continuing his mission to increase government transparency and accountability, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) has reintroduced legislation in the state House of Representatives to expand Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act.
The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act requires state and local agencies to deliberate and take official action on agency business in an open and public meeting. While agencies are required to give notice when a meeting will be held, they are not required to include the purpose of a meeting.
Bernstine’s proposal, House Bill 1069, would require all government bodies to post an agenda 24 hours before a voting meeting that includes a list of each matter of agency business which would be the subject of official action and/or deliberation.
The legislation was originally introduced by former state Rep. Jim Christiana but never made it to the governor’s desk.
“This bill is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to increasing transparency and ensuring taxpayers know what’s going on at every level of government, and we need to get it across the finish line,” Bernstine said. “It’s time to eradicate backroom deals and unannounced decisions in government. They can have a big impact on our lives, and we deserve to know about them.”
House Bill 1069 would prevent an agency from acting on any matter not listed on the agenda, with an included exception for emergency situations and de minimis actions. The bill has been referred to the House State Government Committee.
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