In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation amending the Second-Class Township Code to clarify quorum requirements for township supervisor meetings by requiring a majority of supervisors to be physically present to conduct official business.

Under current practice, some municipalities permit supervisors attending virtually to be counted toward a quorum, allowing official action to occur without a majority of the governing body physically present.

While remote participation technology can provide flexibility in limited circumstances, local government decisions are best made through in-person deliberation that ensures transparency, accountability and public confidence in the decision-making process.

This legislation would establish a clear statewide standard requiring that a quorum consist of supervisors attending in person, while still permitting remote participation in accordance with existing law where appropriate. However, virtual attendance would not satisfy quorum requirements.

Township supervisors are entrusted with decisions impacting taxation, land use, infrastructure, public safety and essential local services. Ensuring those decisions are made with a majority of supervisors physically present reinforces the integrity of local governance and preserves the public’s trust in the process. This update brings Second-Class Township quorum requirements in line with those already established for other classes of municipalities.

I hope you will join me in sponsoring this legislation.