On October 16, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro approved Senate Bill No. 765, making it Act 110 of 2024 (“Act”). The Act will invoke four (4) specific changes to Pennsylvania’s Borough Code, making it consistent with the First Class Township Code. In his latest Municipal Minute, KingSpry’s Municipal Law Practice Chair, Michael A. Gaul, Esq., summarizes the Act and details its … [Read more...] about Act 110 to Amend Pennsylvania’s Borough Code: What Municipalities Should Know
Municipal Minutes
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Holds Evidence of Bad Faith Through Municipal Actions Sanctionable Under Right-to-Know Law
Pursuant to the Right-to-Know-Law, the Commonwealth Court finds a municipality’s unexcused failure to send requested documents until after the Office of Open Records’ ordered deadline, or with redactions, may demonstrate bad faith warranting an imposition of a civil penalty up to $1,500. Background of the Case In McFalls v. Municipality of Norristown, Amy McFalls (“McFalls”) requested documents … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Holds Evidence of Bad Faith Through Municipal Actions Sanctionable Under Right-to-Know Law
Act 65 of 2021 Amends the Sunshine Act
Some of you may have received updates from your State Representatives about Act 65, which was approved by Governor Wolf on June 30, 2021 and amends the Sunshine Act for public agencies. Below is a summary of the changes. Act 65 of 2021 will amend the Sunshine Act, 65 Pa. C.S. §§701-716, to require the following: 1. All public agencies currently covered under the Sunshine Act must … [Read more...] about Act 65 of 2021 Amends the Sunshine Act
Ensuring Government Transparency Under Right to Know During COVID-19
Government directives to close schools and non-essential businesses, and the current statewide stay-at-home directive limit the ability of public entities to respond to (Right to Know) requests for public records. Here is a summary of legal obligations during this time. Agencies should continue to process and respond to Right to Know request to the extent possible. The agency’s initial … [Read more...] about Ensuring Government Transparency Under Right to Know During COVID-19
Who Invited That Guy? Tips for Effective Virtual Board Meetings
Last month, we provided guidance about certain legal considerations that may inform a board’s decision to conduct virtual board meetings. As with any potential solution, there come occasional problems, and a recent disturbing trend is for certain attendees to effectively crash and commandeer public board meetings. What should you do? Accordingly, here are a few tips to try and limit the … [Read more...] about Who Invited That Guy? Tips for Effective Virtual Board Meetings
COVID-19’s Impact on Municipal Debt Issuance
The COVID 19 outbreak has caused various government officials including Governor Tom Wolf to issue orders halting some activities and requiring substantial modifications in how we conduct business. What does this mean for our local school districts, counties, cities, townships and other municipal entities? What about debt proceedings in Pennsylvania? Can local government issue debt? Under … [Read more...] about COVID-19’s Impact on Municipal Debt Issuance
