Lawmaker Backs Sunshine Act Updates

A western Pennsylvania lawmaker is supporting legislation that would restrict what publicly funded agencies can talk about in private.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Saturday that state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry says some local officials have been using executive sessions to talk about issues that should be talked about in public.

The Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau changed its bylaws this month to say it would follow the state's Sunshine Act, after questions were raised about previous changes.

The legislation also would require state and local agencies to record executive sessions so that a court could decide whether the body violated the law if challenged by a citizen.

Metcalfe is pushing for a committee vote on the bill.