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PA Sunshine Act Primer Webinar for Government Officials

Join the Office of Open Records for a webinar on the PA Sunshine Act - learn about public notice requirements, public comment rules, executive sessions, and more. Submit your questions in the conversation box or email openrecords@pa.gov. For resources, visit https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/.

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PA Sunshine Act Primer Webinar for Government Officials

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  1. The Office of Open Records webinar will begin soon • Use the “Conversation” box to submit questions • Submitted questions are records under the RTKL • After the webinar ends: • Email openrecords@pa.gov or call 717-346-9903 • OOR website has resources for agencies & requesters • https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/

  2. PA Sunshine Act Primer Webinar for Government OfficialsPhone Number: 717.346.9903http: //openrecords.pa.gov Erik Arneson, Executive Director

  3. Who is Covered? • Applies to any state or local government body • and all committees • that perform an essential government function • and exercises authority to take official action. • Making recommendations = official action

  4. Public Notice • Three days in advance of the first regular meeting of the year, along with all of the remaining meetings • Printed in a newspaper of general circulation (websites don’t count) • Posted at the meeting site • Special meetings = 24 hour notice • No requirement for cancellations

  5. Public Comment • Commenters can be limited to residents and taxpayers • Right to comment on issues that are or may be before the board (before any pertinent votes) • Board may establish reasonable rules for public comment (time limits, spokespersons, specific v. general)

  6. Executive Sessions • Can be held before, during, or after an open meeting • Complete reason must be announced during the open meeting (Reading v. Reading Eagle) • No requirement for minutes • No official action can be taken during an Executive Session – votes must occur in a public session

  7. Executive Sessions II Allowable Reasons for Executive Sessions: • Personnel matters (hiring, firing, discipline) • Discussing labor negotiations • Considering purchasing, leasing or selling property • Consulting with counsel about litigation • Avoiding violating privilege or confidentiality • Discussing university admission standards • Discuss emergency preparedness

  8. Miscellaneous • Must produce meeting minutes recording board attendance and who voted for and against • No requirement for an agenda • The public can record public meetings • Agency recordings and minutes are public records • Agencies can “cure” violations • Complaints = public goes to court to enforce • Fines are paid by the officials, not the agency

  9. Additional Resources • www.OpenRecords.pa.gov • Citizens Guide • Agency Guides • Final Determinations and Key Court Decisions • Open Records Officer Guidebook • On Site Training = RA-DCOORTRAINING@pa.gov • Twitter Feed = @OpenRecordsPa • OOR Phone = 717.346.9903 RTKL Current Issues as of 05.16

  10. Webinar Q&A Please send your questions now • Use the “Conversation” box to submit your questions • Submitted questions are records under the RTKL • Questions can also be sent to openrecords@pa.gov • Or call 717-346-9903 • OOR website has resources for agencies & requesters • https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/

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