From the Hotline

By Legal Department
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Q: Due to an impending snow storm, our School Board has moved a previously scheduled committee meeting from 7 p.m. this evening to 4 p.m. this afternoon. Any problems?

A: Yes. The Sunshine Act requires at least 24 hours notice for any special meeting. This notice must be placed in a newspaper of general circulation in the District and posted at the administration building or the building where the meeting will occur. Last minute changes in the time of the meeting cannot be properly advertised and would violate the Sunshine Act.

Although the Act does permit “emergency meetings” to be held without prior notice, most meetings would not qualify as “emergency meetings.” Emergency meetings are permitted only where there is a "real or potential emergency involving a clear and present danger to life or property."

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PNA Legal Hotline: (717) 703-3080