MISSOURI’S SUNSHINE LAW HOW TO USE OPEN MEETINGS AND RECORDS STATUTES TO INFORM YOUR REPORTING

KEY TO DEMOCRACY IF GOVERNMENT WERE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN SECRET, WE’D HAVE NO WAY TO SELF-GOVERN. EMPOWERING THE PUBLIC IS A MAJOR GOAL OF JOURNALISM.

THE BASICS OF MISSOURI’S SUNSHINE LAW NEARLY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PRY SECRETS OUT OF YOUR GOVERNMENT.

WHAT ARE PUBLIC GOVERNMENTAL BODIES?

WHAT ARE PUBLIC RECORDS?

WHAT ARE PUBLIC MEETINGS? AND WHAT KIND OF NOTICE IS REQUIRED?

WHEN CAN MEETINGS BE CLOSED? THERE ARE THREE MAIN EXCEPTIONS. Personnel matters Real estate deals Litigation Personnel matters Real estate deals Litigation

THE SUNSHINE LAW ALMOST NEVER REQUIRES A CLOSED MEETING

PERSONNEL MATTERS Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting an employee

REAL ESTATE DEALS Only when knowledge of the deal would have an adverse impact

LITIGATION Governmental bodies are free to discuss lawsuits behind closed doors

HOW TO EXTRACT PUBLIC RECORDS  Be aware  Know what’s public  Know the custodian  File the requests  Think like a lawyer  Be aware  Know what’s public  Know the custodian  File the requests  Think like a lawyer  Be persistent  Know the cost  Learn to negotiate  Be persistent  Know the cost  Learn to negotiate

IMPORTANT LINK  Summary of Sunshine Law provisions  Explanation of Sunshine Law’s intent  Sample letter with standard language  Definitions of open records and meetings terms  Frequently asked questions  A cool quiz on Sunshine Law situations  Summary of Sunshine Law provisions  Explanation of Sunshine Law’s intent  Sample letter with standard language  Definitions of open records and meetings terms  Frequently asked questions  A cool quiz on Sunshine Law situations