accessibility of information to the public and that without
transparency and accountability, corruption and abuse of power
can flourish; and
WHEREAS, Public policy is best considered during the day, on
the House floor, with all representatives present, with the
public reasonably able to observe and access information that
affects their lives and well-being; and
WHEREAS, House Rule 15, which aims to ensure transparency,
requires that no roll call votes be taken after 11:00 p.m.
unless exigent circumstances exist, as determined by an
affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members to agree to
extend the session; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act requires agencies to
deliberate and take official action on agency business in an
open and public meeting, and the act requires that meetings have
prior notice and that the public can attend, participate and
comment before an agency takes that official action; therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge this chamber
to restrict the times of day in which legislative votes may be
cast and prohibit secret votes, creating a more efficient and
effective government through greater transparency and
accountability; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives conduct business
during practical hours of the day and in a way that allows the
residents of the Commonwealth to observe and follow the
proceedings; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives aim to work in a
bipartisan, cooperative way to give members enough notice of
meeting announcement, agenda content and amendments; and be it
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