Attorney General's News Release

August 24, 2006

Updated Missouri Sunshine Law booklet from Attorney General Nixon reflects recent changes in the law

Jefferson City, Mo. — A new booklet published by Attorney General Jay Nixon contains the latest changes to Missouri's open meetings and records law, popularly known as the Sunshine Law, and is available at no charge to state and local officials, members of the media, and the general public. Copies of the booklet can be ordered through the Attorney General's Web site at www.ago.mo.gov or by calling the Attorney General's office at 1-800-392-8222.

Since the printing of the last Sunshine Law booklet in 2004, the General Assembly passed a new law in 2006 regarding access by crime victims to certain records; Nixon has issued a formal Attorney General's opinion regarding task forces appointed by school district superintendents; and Missouri appeals courts have issued several rulings that interpret the Sunshine Law.

“Missouri's Sunshine Law continues to be an important tool to ensure open government,” Nixon said. “Information and education are vital, both for government officials and for citizens. This updated booklet can help both groups know exactly what the law says.”

In addition to containing the Sunshine Law in its entirety, the free 80-page booklet also provides a summary of the law; answers to frequently asked questions; a list of court decisions and Attorney General's opinions interpreting the Sunshine Law; and sample forms for government officials to use in posting meetings and for citizens or members of the media to request records.

The new statutory change was passed as part of House Bill 1053 and is now contained in 610.105. It provides that a victim, or the parents or guardians of the victim, can obtain certain records in sex offense cases where the defendant pleaded guilty or was found guilty and received a suspended imposition of sentence to use those records in a separate judicial proceeding.

The Attorney General's opinion interpreted the law to say that a task force appointed by a school district superintendent for the purpose of making budget proposals to the superintendent is a public governmental body and therefore task force meetings are subject to the Sunshine Law.

Among the five recent court decisions cited, the decision in State ex. rel. City of Springfield v. Brown found that a defendant charged in criminal proceeding who alleged excessive force against police officers has a right to access officers' statements about the incident under a discovery request.

Download Missouri Sunshine Law booklet, pdf format

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