Attorney General's News Release

Oct. 23, 1998

Free booklet on revised Sunshine Law available from Attorney General's Office; law also available on Internet

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today announced that his office is making available a free 64-page booklet containing Missouri's revised Sunshine Law, which was first enacted 25 years ago.

The Sunshine Law, which governs the openness of meetings and records of public governmental bodies, underwent extensive changes during the 1998 legislative session.

"Government should operate in the open, so citizens can stay informed," Nixon said. "In the 25 years of its existence, Missouri's Sunshine Law has helped ensure that we have an informed society that has access to government meetings and records."

Besides the Sunshine Law, the booklet contains answers to commonly asked questions; information about relevant court decision or legal opinions; and sample forms for guidance for both the public and public governmental bodies. The same information is now available on the Attorney General's Website.

Missourians may obtain a free copy of the Sunshine Law booklet by calling the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

(Editors note: Members of the media may request additional copies of the Sunshine Law by contacting the Communications Office of the Attorney General's Office at 573-751-8844.)

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818