Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1313

Introduced
6/5/23  

Caption

In local organizations and services, providing for public meetings during emergencies.

Impact

If passed, HB 1313 would significantly revise existing state statutes regarding the operation of public meetings in the context of emergencies. The bill would authorize local government entities to determine their own protocols for conducting meetings when faced with emergencies, allowing them to utilize technology and alternative formats to ensure public participation. This change stands to foster a more resilient approach to governance, supporting continued communication between officials and citizens even when physical gatherings are infeasible.

Summary

House Bill 1313 aims to enhance the ability of local organizations and services to conduct public meetings during emergencies. The primary intention of this bill is to ensure that essential meetings continue to occur despite the disruptive effects of emergencies, thereby maintaining public engagement and transparency in governance. Advocates of the bill assert that it provides necessary flexibility for local bodies to adapt to situations that may prevent traditional in-person gatherings, potentially employing alternative methods such as virtual meetings or hybrid formats.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1313 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among local government officials and community advocacy groups who emphasize the importance of ongoing community dialogue during emergencies. However, there are concerns about ensuring that such meetings remain accessible to all citizens. Some stakeholders are wary of the potential for reduced public scrutiny or engagement if meetings are predominantly virtual, leading to a push for guidelines that balance flexibility with accountability.

Contention

Notable points of contention center on the balance between efficiency and public transparency. Opponents of the bill express fears that allowing too much discretion to local entities could lead to meetings being conducted in a less accountable manner. They argue that without proper oversight and regulations in place, there is a risk that public access and participation could diminish, countering the very goal of the bill. As discussions progress, it will be essential to address these concerns while advocating for the benefits of adaptability in emergency contexts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB296

Uniform Public Meetings During Emergencies Act

PA HB3146

Establishing in West Virginia Code, the contents of the Uniform Public Meetings During Emergencies Act

PA AB339

Local government: open and public meetings.

PA HB1290

Virtual public meetings during disaster emergency.

PA SB466

Provides for holding meetings electronically during certain emergencies or disasters. (gov sig) (RE1 SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

PA HB1174

In management of the condominium, further providing for meetings; in management of cooperatives, further providing for meetings; and, in management of planned community, further providing for meetings.

PA HB1080

Public meetings.

PA AB1944

Local government: open and public meetings.

PA SB1547

Oklahoma Open Meeting Act; requiring live stream of certain meetings; reinstating alternative procedures in emergencies. Emergency.

PA HB811

In local organizations and services, further providing for general authority of political subdivisions.

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