What does the Sunshine Act require from agencies led by a commission or board?

The Sunshine Act, officially known as the Government in the Sunshine Act, mandates that meetings of federal agencies led by a commission or board must be conducted in a manner that allows the public to be present. This transparency is aimed at ensuring that the operations and decisions of government agencies are open to public scrutiny, promoting accountability and informed citizen participation in government processes.

The Act specifies that agencies must provide advance notice of meetings and make them accessible to the public, with certain exceptions for closed meetings under specific circumstances (such as national security or sensitive personal privacy matters). The requirement for public access to meetings underscores the principle of open government, which is vital for democracy and public trust in governmental institutions.