Senate Approves Stefano, Coleman Sunshine Act Transparency Bill

HARRISBURG - The Senate today unanimously approved 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.

"Sunshine laws only work when the public can actually see what's coming," Stefano said. "A productive government thrives on transparency, and Pennsylvanians deserve significant public notice on what their government is doing before decisions are made."

"When a governing body can act on consequential matters without prior notice, public comment becomes theater, and accountability disappears," Coleman said. "The public should always be informed about the business being conducted by their local government and I appreciate the support shown for this bipartisan legislation."

Senate Bill 1150 would clarify 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 di minimis matters remain limited.

The legislation follows a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling allowing 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.

Senate Bill 1150 now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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