What is the core requirement of the Government in the Sunshine Act?

The core requirement of the Government in the Sunshine Act is that all agency meetings must permit public observation. This act was enacted to promote transparency and accountability in governmental operations. By ensuring that meetings are open to the public, it allows citizens to observe government decision-making processes, thereby enhancing public trust and involvement in government affairs.

The act aims to reduce secrecy in government and ensure that the workings of government agencies are as transparent as possible. Essentially, this initiative reflects the belief that democratic governance operates best when the public can participate in and understand the processes that affect them. While there are provisions for closed sessions under specific circumstances, the fundamental requirement is the promotion of openness in agency meetings.