sunshine laws
Sunshine laws are regulations that require government agencies and certain businesses to make their meetings, records, and activities accessible to the public. These laws aim to promote transparency, prevent corruption, and uphold ethical standards.
At the federal level, the Government in Sunshine Act of 1976 requires federal agencies to conduct business openly, with some exceptions. Agencies may close meetings if disclosure would significantly hinder proposed actions, if another statute requires confidentiality, or if the meeting involves civil action. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a key example of a sunshine law, granting public access to federal records. Sunshine laws also apply in sectors like healthcare, where pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers must regularly disclose certain data.
Sunshine laws are not universally applied. In Public Citizen v. National Economic Commission, 703 F. Supp. 113 (D.D.C. 1989), a federal court upheld the exclusion of a defunct federal body from such requirements, citing risks of market disruption from disclosing economic policy discussions. States also enforce their own sunshine laws, with scope varying by jurisdiction. Florida’s laws are among the broadest. The Florida Supreme Court has held that all government entities are subject to these laws unless specifically exempt, with "agency" broadly defined to include municipalities, political subdivisions, and county authorities. See: Sarasota Citizens v. City of Sarasota, 48 So. 3d 755 (2010).
[Last reviewed in June of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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