“Robert’s Rules” usually refers to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, a parliamentary manual used by many boards, committees, and local governments to conduct meetings in an orderly way. It is a procedural authority, not a Pennsylvania statute. The official Robert’s Rules website states that its rules are default rules, meaning they apply only when a body has adopted them and only when they do not conflict with applicable law, bylaws, ordinances, or other governing rules.  For public meetings in Pennsylvania, that distinction matters. Even if a board uses Robert’s Rules for motions and debate, Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act still controls public meeting requirements such as notice, agendas, public access, and when official action may be taken.

Robert’s Rules does not override state law. It does not replace Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act, and it does not create an exception to public meeting requirements. The official Robert’s Rules guidance specifically cautions that its rules govern only where there are no contrary provisions in applicable law or the organization’s own governing rules. 

That means a township board may use Robert’s Rules to structure discussion, but it still must follow the legal requirements that apply to Pennsylvania public meetings.