State Rep. Aaron Bernsinte- who represents constituents in Slippery Rock- has reintroduced legislation that would expand the state’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.
But- while agencies are required to give notice when a meeting will be held, they are not required to include the purpose of the meeting.
Bernstine’s proposal would require all government bodies to post an agenda 24 hours before a voting meeting that includes a list of each matter that will be the subject of official action or deliberation.
“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.”
This legislation was originally introduced by former state Rep. Jim Christiana but never made it to the governor’s desk.