reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
65 PA Cons Stat § 707 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 707 - Exceptions to open meetings

§ 707. Exceptions to open meetings. (a) Executive session.--An agency may hold an executive session under section 708 (relating to executive sessions).  (b) Conference.--An agency is authorized to participate in a conference which need not be open to the public. Deliberation of agency business may not occur at a conference.  (c) Certain working sessions.--Boards of auditors may conduct working sessions not open to the public for the purpose of examining, analyzing, discussing and deliberating the various accounts and records with respect to which such boards are responsible, so long as official action of a board with respect to such records and accounts is taken at a meeting open to the public and subject to the provisions of this chapter.    Cross References. Section 707 is referred to in sections 704, 708, 709, 712.1 of this title.
65 PA Cons Stat § 710 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 710 - Rules and regulations for conduct of meetings

§ 710. Rules and regulations for conduct of meetings. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the agency from adopting by official action the rules and regulations necessary for the conduct of its meetings and the maintenance of order. The rules and regulations shall not be made to violate the intent of this chapter.  Cross References. Section 710 is referred to in section 711 of this title.
65 PA Cons Stat § 710.1 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 710.1 - Public participation

§ 710.1. Public participation.  (a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (d), the board or council of a political subdivision or of an authority created by a political subdivision shall provide a reasonable opportunity at each advertised regular meeting and advertised special meeting for residents of the political subdivision or of the authority created by a political subdivision or for taxpayers of the political subdivision or of the authority created by a political subdivision or for both to comment on matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the board or council prior to taking official action. The board or council has the option to accept all public comment at the beginning of the meeting. If the board or council determines that there is not sufficient time at a meeting for residents of the political subdivision or of the authority created by a political subdivision or for taxpayers of the political subdivision or of the authority created by a political subdivision or for both to comment, the board or council may defer the comment period to the next regular meeting or to a special meeting occurring in advance of the next regular meeting.  (b) Limitation on judicial relief.--If a board or council of a political subdivision or an authority created by a political subdivision has complied with the provisions of subsection (a), the judicial relief under section 713 (relating to business transacted at unauthorized meeting void) shall not be available on a specific action solely on the basis of lack of comment on that action.  (c) Objection.--Any person has the right to raise an objection at any time to a perceived violation of this chapter at any meeting of a board or council of a political subdivision or an authority created by a political subdivision.  (d) Exception.--The board or council of a political subdivision or of an authority created by a political subdivision which had, before January 1, 1993, established a practice or policy of holding special meetings solely for the purpose of public comment in advance of advertised regular meetings shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection (a).
65 PA Cons Stat § 711 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 711 - Use of equipment during meetings

§ 711. Use of equipment during meetings.  (a) Recording devices.--Except as provided in subsection (b), a person attending a meeting of an agency shall have the right to use recording devices to record all the proceedings. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the agency from adopting and enforcing reasonable rules for their use under section 710 (relating to rules and regulations for conduct of meetings).  (b) Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives.--The Senate and House of Representatives may adopt rules governing the recording or broadcast of their sessions and meetings and hearings of committees.
65 PA Cons Stat § 712 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 712 - General Assembly meetings covered

§ 712. General Assembly meetings covered. Notwithstanding any other provision, for the purpose of this chapter, meetings of the General Assembly which are covered are as follows: all meetings of committees where bills are considered, all hearings where testimony is taken and all sessions of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Not included in the intent of this chapter are caucuses or meetings of any ethics committee created pursuant to the Rules of the Senate or the House of Representatives.  Cross References. Section 712 is referred to in section 704 of this title.
65 PA Cons Stat § 712.1 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 712.1 - Notification of agency business required and exceptions

§ 712.1. Notification of agency business required and exceptions. (a) Official action.--Except as provided in subsection (b), (c), (d) or (e), an agency may not take official action on a matter of agency business at a meeting if the matter was not included in the notification required under section 709(c.1) (relating to public notice).  (b) Emergency business.--An agency may take official action at a regularly scheduled meeting or an emergency meeting on a matter of agency business relating to a real or potential emergency involving a clear and present danger to life or property regardless of whether public notice was given for the meeting.  (c) Business arising within 24 hours before meeting.--An agency may take official action on a matter of agency business that is not listed on a meeting agenda if:  (1) the matter arises or is brought to the attention of the agency within the 24-hour period prior to the meeting; and  (2) the matter is de minimis in nature and does not involve the expenditure of funds or entering into a contract or agreement by the agency.  (d) Business arising during meeting.--If, during the conduct of a meeting, a resident or taxpayer brings a matter of agency business that is not listed on the meeting agenda to the attention of the agency, the agency may take official action to refer the matter to staff, if applicable, for the purpose of researching the matter for inclusion on the agenda of a future meeting, or, if the matter is de minimis in nature and does not involve the expenditure of funds or entering into a contract or agreement, the agency may take official action on the matter.  (e) Changes to agenda.-- (1) Upon majority vote of the individuals present and voting during the conduct of a meeting, an agency may add a matter of agency business to the agenda. The reasons for the changes to the agenda shall be announced at the meeting before any vote is conducted to make the changes to the agenda. The agency may subsequently take official action on the matter added to the agenda. The agency shall post the amended agenda on the agency's publicly accessible Internet website, if available, and at the agency's principal office location no later than the first business day following the meeting at which the agenda was changed.  (2) This subsection shall not apply to a conference or a working session under section 707 (relating to exceptions to open meetings) or an executive session under section 708 (relating to executive sessions).  (f) Minutes.--If action is taken upon a matter of agency business added to the agenda under this section, the minutes of the meeting shall reflect the substance of the matter added, the vote on the addition and the announced reasons for the addition.  (June 30, 2021, P.L.350, No.65, eff. 60 days)   2021 Amendment. Act 65 added section 712.1.
65 PA Cons Stat § 713 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 713 - Business transacted at unauthorized meeting void

§ 713. Business transacted at unauthorized meeting void. A legal challenge under this chapter shall be filed within 30 days from the date of a meeting which is open, or within 30 days from the discovery of any action that occurred at a meeting which was not open at which this chapter was violated, provided that, in the case of a meeting which was not open, no legal challenge may be commenced more than one year from the date of said meeting. The court may enjoin any challenged action until a judicial determination of the legality of the meeting at which the action was adopted is reached. Should the court determine that the meeting did not meet the requirements of this chapter, it may in its discretion find that any or all official action taken at the meeting shall be invalid. Should the court determine that the meeting met the requirements of this chapter, all official action taken at the meeting shall be fully effective.  Cross References. Section 713 is referred to in section 710.1 of this title.
65 PA Cons Stat § 714 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 714 - Penalty

§ 714. Penalty.   (a) Fines and costs.--Any member of any agency who participates in a meeting with the intent and purpose by that member of violating this chapter commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay: (1) For a first offense, the costs of prosecution plus a fine of at least $100 and, in the discretion of the sentencing authority, of not more than $1,000. (2) For a second or subsequent offense, the costs of prosecution plus a fine of at least $500 and, in the discretion of the sentencing authority, of not more than $2,000.  (b) Payment.--An agency shall not make a payment on behalf of or reimburse a member of an agency for a fine or cost resulting from the member's violation of this section. (July 7, 2011, P.L.270, No.56, eff. 60 days)
65 PA Cons Stat § 714.1 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 714.1 - Attorney fees

§ 714.1. Attorney fees. If the court determines that an agency willfully or with wanton disregard violated a provision of this chapter, in whole or in part, the court shall award the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation or an appropriate portion of the fees and costs. If the court finds that the legal challenge was of a frivolous nature or was brought with no substantial justification, the court shall award the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation or an appropriate portion of the fees and costs.
65 PA Cons Stat § 715 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 715 - Jurisdiction and venue of judicial proceedings

§ 715. Jurisdiction and venue of judicial proceedings. The Commonwealth Court shall have original jurisdiction of actions involving State agencies and the courts of common pleas shall have original jurisdiction of actions involving other agencies to render declaratory judgments or to enforce this chapter by injunction or other remedy deemed appropriate by the court. The action may be brought by any person where the agency whose act is complained of is located or where the act complained of occurred.
65 PA Cons Stat § 716 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 7 - Open Meetings|Section 716 - Confidentiality

§ 716. Confidentiality. All acts and parts of acts are repealed insofar as they are inconsistent with this chapter, excepting those statutes which specifically provide for the confidentiality of information. Those deliberations or official actions which, if conducted in public, would violate a lawful privilege or lead to the disclosure of information or confidentiality protected by law, including matter related to the investigation of possible or certain violations of the law and quasi-judicial deliberations, shall not fall within the scope of this chapter.
65 PA Cons Stat § 1101 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 11 - Ethics Standards and Financial Disclosure|Section 1101 - Short title of chapter

§ 1101. Short title of chapter. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act.
65 PA Cons Stat § 1101.1 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 11 - Ethics Standards and Financial Disclosure|Section 1101.1 - Purpose

§ 1101.1. Purpose.  (a) Declarations.--The Legislature hereby declares that public office is a public trust and that any effort to realize personal financial gain through public office other than compensation provided by law is a violation of that trust. In order to strengthen the faith and confidence of the people of this Commonwealth in their government, the Legislature further declares that the people have a right to be assured that the financial interests of holders of or nominees or candidates for public office do not conflict with the public trust. Because public confidence in government can best be sustained by assuring the people of the impartiality and honesty of public officials, this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote complete financial disclosure as specified in this chapter. Furthermore, it is recognized that clear guidelines are needed in order to guide public officials and employees in their actions. Thus, the General Assembly by this chapter intends to define as clearly as possible those areas which represent conflict with the public trust.  (b) Recognition.--It is recognized that many public officials, including most local officials and members of the General Assembly, are citizen-officials who bring to their public office the knowledge and concerns of ordinary citizens and taxpayers. They should not be discouraged from maintaining their contacts with their community through their occupations and professions. Thus, in order to foster maximum compliance with its terms, this chapter shall be administered in a manner that emphasizes guidance to public officials and public employees regarding the ethical standards established by this chapter.  (c) Legislative intent.--It is the intent of the General Assembly that this chapter be administered by an independent commission composed of members who are cognizant of the responsibilities and burdens of public officials and employees and who have demonstrated an interest in promoting public confidence in government.
65 PA Cons Stat § 1110 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 11 - Ethics Standards and Financial Disclosure|Section 1110 - Wrongful use of chapter

§ 1110. Wrongful use of chapter.  (a) Liability.--A person who signs a complaint alleging a violation of this chapter against another is subject to liability for wrongful use of this chapter if:  (1) the complaint was frivolous, as defined by this chapter, or without probable cause and made primarily for a purpose other than that of reporting a violation of this chapter; or  (2) he publicly disclosed or caused to be disclosed that a complaint against a person had been filed with the commission.  (b) Probable cause.--A person who signs a complaint alleging a violation of this chapter has probable cause for doing so if he reasonably believes in the existence of the facts upon which the claim is based and either:  (1) reasonably believes that under those facts the complaint may be valid under this chapter; or  (2) believes to this effect in reliance upon the advice of counsel, sought in good faith and given after full disclosure of all relevant facts within his knowledge and information.  (c) Commission procedures.--When the commission determines that a complainant has violated the provisions set forth in subsection (a), the commission, upon receiving a written request from the subject of the complaint, shall provide the name and address of the complainant to said subject. If the commission determines that a complainant has not violated the provisions of subsection (a), the commission shall notify the subject accordingly. The subject shall have the right to appeal the commission's determination, and the commission shall schedule an appeal hearing. The subject shall show cause why the complainant violated the provisions of this section. If the commission grants the appeal, the commission shall immediately release the complainant's name and address to the subject. If the commission denies the appeal, it shall present evidence why the complainant's name and address shall not be released.  (d) Damages.--When the essential elements of an action brought pursuant to this section have been established, the plaintiff is entitled to recover for the following:  (1) The harm to his reputation by a defamatory matter alleged as the basis of the proceeding.  (2) The expenses, including any reasonable attorney fees, that he has reasonably incurred in proceedings before the commission.  (3) Any specific pecuniary loss that has resulted from the proceedings.  (4) Any emotional distress that has been caused by the proceedings.  (5) Any punitive damages according to law in appropriate cases.
65 PA Cons Stat § 1111 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 11 - Ethics Standards and Financial Disclosure|Section 1111 - Supplemental provisions

§ 1111. Supplemental provisions. Any governmental body may adopt requirements to supplement this chapter, provided that no such requirements shall in any way be less restrictive than the chapter.
65 PA Cons Stat § 1112 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 11 - Ethics Standards and Financial Disclosure|Section 1112 - Conflict of law

§ 1112. Conflict of law. Except as otherwise provided in Chapter 13 (relating to lobby regulation and disclosure), if the provisions of this chapter conflict with any other statute, ordinance, regulation or rule, the provisions of this chapter shall control.    References in Text. Chapter 13, referred to in this section, was deleted by the act of November 1, 2006 (P.L.1213, No.134). The subject matter is now contained in Chapter 13A.
65 PA Cons Stat § 1113 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 11 - Ethics Standards and Financial Disclosure|Section 1113 - Severability

§ 1113. Severability. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this chapter and the application of such provisions to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
65 PA Cons Stat § 1301 - 1311 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 13 - Lobby Regulation and Disclosure (Deleted by amendment)|Section 1301 - 1311 - (Deleted by amendment)

2006 Deletion. Chapter 13 (§§ 1301 - 1311) was added October 15, 1998, P.L.729, No.93, and deleted by amendment November 1, 2006, P.L.1213, No.134, effective January 1, 2007. The subject matter is now contained in Chapter 13A of this title.
65 PA Cons Stat § 13A01 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 13A - Lobbying Disclosure|Section 13A01 - Scope of chapter

§ 13A01. Scope of chapter. This chapter relates to lobbying disclosure.
65 PA Cons Stat § 13A02 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 65 - PUBLIC OFFICERS|Chapter 13A - Lobbying Disclosure|Section 13A02 - Statement of intent and jurisdiction

§ 13A02. Statement of intent and jurisdiction.  (a) Intent.--The Constitution of Pennsylvania recognizes that all free governments are founded upon the authority of the people. It further provides that the power to make law in this Commonwealth is vested in the General Assembly, and the power to enforce law is vested in the Executive Department. The Constitution also guarantees the people the right to petition those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances. The ability of the people to exercise their fundamental authority and to have confidence in the integrity of the processes by which laws are made and enforced in this Commonwealth demands that the identity and scope of activity of those who are paid to influence the actions of the General Assembly and the Executive Department be publicly and regularly disclosed.  (b) Jurisdiction.--The authority to regulate persons employed to influence the actions of the General Assembly and the Executive Department lies within the jurisdiction of those branches of government. To ensure that the intent of this chapter is not evaded and that all such persons are regulated in a fair and equitable manner, lobbyists and the practice of lobbying shall be subject to this chapter, which shall prevail over any other regulation of professional activity when that activity constitutes lobbying. This chapter is not intended to govern professional activities which do not include lobbying and are properly the subject of regulation by the judicial branch of government or by any government agency.  (c) Regulated profession.--Membership in a regulated profession shall not excuse a lobbyist from compliance with this chapter.  (d) Administrative agency law.--Proceedings of the commission are subject to 2 Pa.C.S. Chs. 5 Subch. A (relating to practice and procedure of Commonwealth agencies) and 7 Subch. A (relating to judicial review of Commonwealth agency action).