PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1810

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1810

Introduced
11/2/23  

Caption

In open meetings, further providing for definitions and for public participation.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1810 would significantly impact the way local councils and boards operate. The legislation mandates that public bodies provide a reasonable opportunity for comments from individuals directly affected by their decisions at both regular and special meetings. Current provisions allowing for public commentary would be reinforced, compelling local authorities to adhere strictly to a more interactive and inclusive decision-making process. This change could promote a culture of collaboration and responsiveness among local officials and constituents.

Summary

House Bill 1810 aims to amend Title 65 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing on enhancing public participation in open meetings conducted by local governments. The bill introduces a specific definition for 'persons of interest' to ensure that community members who might be affected by official actions have a recognized status in the process. This amendment responds to growing concerns about transparency and inclusivity in governmental deliberations, encouraging local officials to facilitate more opportunities for citizen input during meetings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1810 appears positive, particularly among advocates for greater government accountability and public involvement. Proponents argue that the bill supports democratic principles by empowering citizens to voice their concerns and opinions on matters that influence their lives. However, there may be some apprehension from local authorities regarding the administrative burden of accommodating additional public commentary, which could lead to longer meetings and more complex governance dynamics.

Contention

Debate on HB 1810 may center on the balance between facilitating public engagement and managing meeting logistics. While advocates for the bill laud its intention to enhance transparency, concerns have been raised regarding potential disruptions caused by extended public comment periods. Local officials might argue that the practicality of implementing the proposed requirements could vary based on the size and complexity of the community, potentially complicating established procedures. The bill's passage would also signal a legislative preference for greater citizen engagement, which some might view as a necessary evolution in local governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB194

Amending Titles 45 (Legal Notices) and 65 (Public Officers) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in legal advertising, further providing for use of trade publications and providing for local government unit advertising requirements; and, in open meetings, further providing for definitions.

PA SB657

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in requirements and prohibitions, providing for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for requests and for retention of records; in procedure, further providing for requests, for written requests, for electronic access, for creation of record, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for general rule and for extension of time; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for civil penalty and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB99

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for uniform form, for requests and for retention of records and providing for inmate access; in procedure, further providing for written requests, for redaction, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for extension of time and providing for relief from vexatious requesters; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for court costs and attorney fees, for civil penalty, for fee limitations and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB1394

Further providing for definitions.

PA HB1291

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in legal advertising, further providing for level of advertising rates and for no unauthorized advertisements to be published and providing for publication in newspapers of general circulation; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1313

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

PA AB339

Local government: open and public meetings.

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 SB213

Further providing for definitions.

PA HB0036

Open and Public Meetings Act Amendments

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