From an editorial in The Mercury:

Senate Bill 101 increases the fines that may be imposed on elected officials who participate in a meeting with the intent of violating the open meeting requirements.

The fine, which was previously a flat rate of $100, was raised to as much as $1,000 for a first offense and $500 to $2,000 for a second offense. The mandate is set to take effect in 60 days.

The increased penalties for violating state sunshine laws were long overdue.

Pennsylvania has been known to be among the most antiquated states in the nation in its laws on open meetings and open records — a standing that was improved somewhat with the passage of open records reform several years ago.

Read the full editorial at the link below:

New law puts teeth into state sunshine laws - pottsmerc.com