Sunshine Laws and Open Meetings

Sunshine laws, also known as open meetings laws, are state and federal regulations that require government agencies, boards, commissions, and public bodies to conduct business transparently. These laws ensure public access to meetings and deliberations, promoting accountability, preventing secret decision-making, and building trust in government. All states adopted such laws by 1976.

What Sunshine Laws Require

Public bodies must provide advance notice of meetings, typically at least 24 hours, including date, time, location, and agenda. Citizens have the right to attend in-person, phone, or electronic meetings and access comprehensive records or minutes. Bodies must designate a records custodian and maintain policies for public requests.

Open Meetings and Exceptions

Meetings of a quorum discussing public business are presumed open, but limited exceptions allow executive sessions for sensitive topics. Learn when governments may close meetings in Your Right to Watch Government at Work: Open Meetings vs. Executive Sessions. When in doubt, meetings should remain open.