Lawmakers Send Shapiro Bill to Close Meeting Notice Loophole in Pennsylvania Transparency Law
The bill clarifies that a majority vote is only a procedural step, after a court ruling widened exceptions to the 24-hour notice rule.
- On Wednesday, Pennsylvania lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. Josh Shapiro that closes a transparency loophole in the Sunshine Act, which requires government bodies to publicize voting agendas 24 hours in advance of public meetings.
- A 2025 state Supreme Court ruling in Coleman v. Parkland School District allowed local agencies to add last-minute items to meeting agendas via a simple majority vote, effectively circumventing the 24-hour notice requirement.
- The bill unanimously passed the state Senate in June and cleared the House 182-21 on Wednesday, with support from the entire Lehigh Valley delegation, likely marking the session's final formal voting day.
- Sponsored by state Sens. Patrick Stefano and Jarrett Coleman, the legislation clarifies that the majority-vote clause is a procedural tactic rather than a standalone exception, preventing agencies from adding most last-minute action items.
- Gov. Shapiro intends to sign the measure, which transparency advocates say ensures Pennsylvanians receive meaningful notice before their local governments act on consequential matters.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Lawmakers send Shapiro bill to close meeting notice loophole in Pennsylvania transparency law – WTOP News
Pennsylvania lawmakers on Wednesday sent a bill to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk that closes a loophole in a key government transparency law. The law, known as Penns
The Toronto Star
Lawmakers send Shapiro bill to close meeting notice loophole in Pennsylvania transparency law
Pennsylvania lawmakers on Wednesday sent a bill to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk that closes a loophole in a key government transparency law.
After Parkland lawsuit, Pa. tightens loophole that let school boards, local agencies vote on items without advance notice
A bill that amends the state’s Sunshine Act to tighten rules for how public agencies change meeting agendas was adopted by the state House.
PA lawmakers vote to close Sunshine Act loophole
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers on Wednesday sent a bill to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk that closes a loophole in a key government transparency law. The law, known as Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act, requires local and state government bodies, including school boards and municipal councils, to publicize their voting agendas 24 hours in advance of public meetings. The idea is that the more people know about what their government is voting on, the be…
Stefano, Coleman Sunshine Act Transparency Bill Moves to Governor’s Desk
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.
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