Somestimes I read something that a public official says and I am just stunned — seriously, I could not make up facts that are as good as what I read… In the Kansas City Star on Thursday, a reporter
Sunshine in Missouri
Random thoughts on Missouri's sunshine law written by a lawyer who has an undying interest in this subject which probably only interests a few other folks in this state.
Sunshine in Missouri, published by the Law Professor Blogs Network, focuses on Missouri's Sunshine Law and related transparency issues in government. The blog discusses legal interpretations and practical applications of open meetings and public records laws, including challenges posed by modern communication methods like text messaging and social media. It covers topics such as the definition of public governmental bodies, requirements for open meetings and minutes, legal boundaries of closed sessions, and record retention policies. The blog also highlights historical legislative developments and notable figures involved in Missouri's open government laws, providing context and analysis relevant to public officials, legal practitioners, and citizens interested in government transparency.
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So don’t ask me no questions, babe won’t hand you any lies….
By Jean Maneke
I had an interesting question come up last week that is worth pondering more. Apparently a public governmental body in the state has created a website where it now posts its agenda and meeting notices for upcoming meetings. It…
Don’t try to tell me that you’re not aware of what you’re doing, that you just don’t care
By Jean Maneke
A city noticed up a closed meeting a day or so ago. The local paper, curious about what was to be discussed, pursued this, attempting to find out exactly what subject was going to be raised. It turned out that the…
Sometimes when you turn the key the gauge only indicates empty And people that run this world today, they only have half a brain
By Jean Maneke
A reporter sent me a local police department's Records Disclosure Request the other day. It dates back to 2005 and so there might be some argument that this city just needs to update its forms. Still, it serves as a…
You say “Yes,” I say “No;” I don’t know why you say “Goodbye,” I say “Hello,” “Hello,” “Hello!”
By Jean Maneke
Apparently, a few weeks ago, a public governmental body held a meeting and presented to the board a Powerpoint presentation on a subject of interest to the board and also to a reporter attending the meeting. Unfortunately, she had…
Someday, Somewhere, We’ll find a new way of living…
By Jean Maneke
Somewhere out there, someone must be teaching courses on imaginative ways to attempt to circumvent sunshine law requirements. Seriously! There appears to be a constant flow of ingenious ideas as to why police reports cannot be made public.Not long ago,…
Can’t wait one minute more, this longing for you can’t be ignored…
By Jean Maneke
I had an interesting discussion with someone today regarding an issue that comes up frequently — the use of notices of a potential closed meeting citing the "usual suspects" for closure — real estate, litigation and personnel. A lot of…
Breakin’ rocks in the hot sun, I fought the law and the law won…
By Jean Maneke
A reporter called today questioning the ability to access bidders who registered to participate in this year's delinquent tax sale, where real estate is sold for the back taxes owed to the county. The first question that challenged them was…
In every word you speak you make it clear to me That you’re playing wrong and your game ain’t strong; I’ve been in this too long, so just be moving on
By Jean Maneke
A few days ago, I got an email from a newspaper inquiring whether a record which was discussed in a public meeting was available to the public. In this case, it was a letter that was discussed by the public…
Listen when I tell you now, Haven’t we come a long way, baby!
By Jean Maneke
And so, she said, the city has made a loan to a business… the particulars aren't important tonight to protect the innocent. The business is a slow pay. The city wonders whether to start strong-arming the business into returning some…