For Immediate Release
5/07/07

CONTACT:

David Atkinson
(717) 787-6535


Senator Armstrong
 

Senate Approves Stiffer Penalties For Sunshine Law Violations

The reform agenda for Pennsylvania received a significant boost today, with the state Senate unanimously approving a bill increasing the fines for Sunshine Law violations, according to state Senator Gib Armstrong.

"The Sunshine Law is one of the pillars of good government, guaranteeing the public the right to attend and participate in government meetings.  Some notorious violations in different parts of the state proved that stronger enforcement provisions are needed to make the law more effective and bring more decisionmaking out of the shadows," Armstrong stated.

Armstrong introduced Senate Bill 467 in February.  The measure was based on a grand jury recommendation arising from an investigation into illegal actions by the Lancaster County Commissioners.  The new fine would be up to $1,000 for a first offense, and up to $2,000 for a subsequent offense.

"Strengthening the penalties should improve compliance with open meeting requirements.  With this bill, we show the public that the Sunshine Law truly matters.  And we make it more likely that enforcement actions will take place, because there are tougher penalties for those who intentionally break the law and abuse the public trust," Armstrong said.

The bill also prohibits taxpayer money from being used to pay these fines.