How do you make a sunshine law request in Missouri?
If you would like to make a Sunshine request to obtain records from our office, please email [email protected]. If you would like to make a request from another public governmental body you will need to contact the agency that created and/or retains the public record you would like to inspect.
What are the requirements of the Missouri Sunshine Law?
The Sunshine Law allows a public body to close meetings and records to the public in some limited circumstances, but it almost never requires a public body to do so. Except in emergency situations, a public body must give at least 24 hours’ public notice before holding a meeting.
Is Missouri an open record state?
Missouri’s commitment to openness in government is clearly stated in Section 610.011 of the Sunshine Law: “It is the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law.
What is the penalty for violating the Missouri Sunshine Law?
Statute provides specific consequences for violating the Sunshine Law. “Knowing” violations result in civil fines up to $1,000.00. “Purposeful” violations result in civil fines up to $5,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.
What is Sunshine request?
A Sunshine Law request is a request for a specific public record that is in existence at the time of the request. The Department of Social Services (DSS) is, like other state and local public governmental bodies, subject to Missouri’s Open Meetings and Records (“Sunshine”) Law.
Does Missouri have a Freedom of Information Act?
Anyone can request documents and a statement of purpose is not required. There is nothing in the Missouri Sunshine Law that restricts the use of records and an individual should allow three business days for the return of records requests.
What is an example of a Sunshine law?
The purpose of these laws is to promote ethical standards, prevent fraud and corruption, and by doing so engender greater public trust. Examples of sunshine laws include mandatory corporate reporting to the SEC and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Are police reports public record in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri arrest records are public, as the Missouri Sunshine Law requires that local law enforcement agencies make police records available to requesters. To obtain free arrest records in Missouri, parties can use the public access computers at the clerk’s office at their local county superior court.
Are 911 calls public record in Missouri?
The information that is generally available or open regarding a 911 call is the “incident information” – the date, time, specific location, and immediate facts and circumstances of the call. The recording is inaccessible to the public. Section 610.150, RSMo.
What is the sunshine rule?
Sunshine laws are regulations requiring transparency and disclosure in government or business. Sunshine laws make meetings, records, votes, deliberations, and other official actions available for public observation, participation, and/or inspection.
What is Sunshine Ordinance?
What is the Sunshine Ordinance? The Sunshine Ordinance is an ordinance to insure easier access to public records and to strengthen the open meeting laws. The Sunshine Ordinance also outlines a procedure for citizens to follow if they do not receive public records they have requested.
What is Missouri’s Sunshine Law?
The Sunshine Law declares Missouri’s commitment to openness in government in § 610.011, RSMo.: “It is the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law.
How to request records under the Missouri Sunshine Law?
RECORDS REQUEST FORM [Insert name and address of officially designated custodian of records] This is a request for records under the Missouri Sunshine Law, Chapter 610, Revised Statutes of Missouri. I request that you make available to me the following records: _____________ (Describe the records as specifically as possible.
What are the laws for public information in Missouri?
Missouri Sunshine Law Missouri Sunshine Law 73 Freedom of Information Act The federal government’s public information law
What information is available under the Sunshine Law?
under the Sunshine Law: • A list of personal care attendants’ addresses. • The votes of each member of a board or council during closed session, even if the information considered during the closed meeting may be closed.