Government Affairs

PNA’s lobbyists review thousands of legislative proposals during every two-year session of the General Assembly, monitoring each and sharing PNA’s perspective on bills that have a potential impact, positive or negative, on the industry or on journalists’ ability to gather news. You can view these bills and the position of the PNA using our Bill Tracker.

Members may also read our Updates from the Capitol.

Legislative Documents

  • PNA members take strong stance against coroners' bill A proposed bill would restrict the public's ability to review death-related records in the possession of county coroners. PNA is pleased to see these strong and timely responses to the threat from papers across the state.
  • Sunshine Act improvements
    PDF, 36.28 KB
    Suggested improvements for the Sunshine Act from the PA Newspaper Association.
  • Sunshine Krieger HB 2115
    PDF, 322.22 KB
    We’re happy to highlight legislative proposals that would strengthen transparency – in this case, a bill to protect citizens’ ability to participate meaningfully in meetings of their local agencies.
  • Teri Henning, SB 247 testimony
    PDF, 59.81 KB
    After three years of experience with Act 3 of 2008, the Right to Know Law, we have some suggestions for strengthening citizens’ ability to monitor government. The Senate State Government Committee has held three hearings on Senate Bill 247, starting in March of 2011.
  • Teri Henning- SB247 Testimony, March 6
    PDF, 60.61 KB
  • Ralph Martin Testimony on Public Notices
    PDF, 43.58 KB
    Ralph Martin, President and CEO of Trib Total Media and Vice-Chairman of the PNA, explains why bills that would put public notices in shoppers or on government-run websites would be bad for Pennsylvania citizens. May 14, 2009
  • Martin Till Testimony on Public Notices
    PDF, 53.32 KB
    Martin Till, CEO, President and Publisher of Easton Publishing and Chairman of the PNA’s Government Affairs Committee, explains why bills that would put public notices in shoppers or on government-run websites would be bad for Pennsylvania citizens.
  • Public Notices and Internet Advertising Legislation
    PDF, 43.04 KB
    PNA Position Paper: In recent years, local governments have promoted legislation to replace newspaper publication of their legal notices – public notice advertising -- with posting on state-run or local websites, claiming that such a move would save money
  • Public Notices and Pennysavers
    PDF, 39.93 KB
    PNA Position Paper: Newspaper publishers and journalists consider the public’s access to information about their government’s activities to be of paramount importance. Our system depends on the free flow of information between government and the voters to

Useful Links

Contact Us  |  3899 North Front Street, Harrisburg PA 17110  |  Phone: (717) 703-3000  |  Fax: (717) 703-3001