Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976

“In a democracy, the public has a right to know, not only what its government decides, but why and by what process,” President Gerald R. Ford said in his remarks upon the signing of the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976.

The Government in the Sunshine Act followed upon the earlier Freedom of Information Acts of the 1960s and was created to provide the American public with access to meetings conducted by government agencies in order to increase government transparency.  

The bill was introduced into the Senate as S.5 by Senator Lawton Chiles on January 15, 1975. The Act was passed by the Senate in a 94-0 vote on November 6, 1975; passed by the House with an amendment in a 384-0 vote on July 28, 1976; and passed by the Senate again on August 31, 1976. President Ford signed the bill into law on September 13, 1976.

Under the Government Sunshine Act, federal agencies are required to notify the public at least a week before holding a meeting. The notification of the meeting must include the date, time, and topics to be discussed. Agencies can vote to close meetings that would otherwise be open to the public under certain conditions such as national security concerns. 

If a meeting is closed, a transcript of the meeting minus redacted information must be made publicly available. A full transcript that includes the redacted information must be held by the agency for a minimum of 2 years.

At the signing ceremony in the White House Rose Garden on September 13, 1976, President Ford said, “This legislation should go a long way in reaffirming that government exists for the people – not apart from the people.” 

The Government in the Sunshine Act established public oversight of federal agencies’ activities that is still exercised today. 

Digitized Holdings Related to Government in the Sunshine Act 1976

John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor) 1974-1977

1. Government in the Sunshine Bill (1)
2. Government in the Sunshine Bill (2)
3. Government in the Sunshine Bill (3)

Presidential Speeches: Reading Copies

1. Remarks Upon the Signing of S.5: The Government in the Sunshine Act

White House Press Releases

1. Fact Sheet - Government in the Sunshine Act (S. 5)

White House Records Office: Office of Management and Budget: Legislation Case Files 1974-1976

1. S.5 September 13, 1976 (1)
2. S.5 September 13, 1976 (2)