I took a call this week from a newspaper that was talking to members of a public body about a proposed closed meeting. They had an interesting issue to ponder. The members of the body had been working on a
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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He rocks in the tree tops all day long, Hoppin’ and a-boppin’ and singing his song; All the little birdies on jaybird street, Love to hear the robin go tweet tweet tweet!
By Jean Maneke
Electronic communication by cell phone has been the "hot news" over the last few days. Down in the Ozarks, where I'm from, being "all atwitter" has a completely different meaning than perhaps Rep. Weiner might have understood it…
Tell me what would it take to really convince you That I’m gonna love you, even if my heart would break…
By Jean Maneke
Agendas for closed meetings are a frequent topic for discussion on the Missouri Press hotline. After several calls citing agendas that listed every topic for a closed meeting except the kitchen sink, I sent out a call to our…
I never read it in a book I never saw it on a show But i heard it in the alley on the weird radio.
By Jean Maneke
A newspaper called yesterday to talk about its difficulty with a county that has issued a policy on the release of minutes of Commissioners' meetings. The policy is amazing. I'm wondering if that county's officials have looked at their…
The sun comes shinin’ through, I can’t believe my eyes, all of this belongs to you! I said shake, rattle and roll!
By Jean Maneke
Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster said today (March 14, 2011) he has filed suit against the city of Lebanon for violating Missouri’s open records laws, commonly called “Sunshine Laws.” Also named in the suit are Henry Luxem,…
I don’t know you, not at all; I took one look at you and I want to know it all
By Jean Maneke
It's Sunshine Week in Missouri. But today I want to turn this space over to Doug Crews, Executive Director of the Missouri Press Association. He has a message that deserves the space on this special week. (Besides that, Doug…
Gone are the dark clouds that had us blind. It’s gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day.
By Jean Maneke
It's early March and that means Sunshine Week is fast approaching. The Missouri Sunshine Coalition is planning its annual meeting in Columbia, but what's really exciting is that it will take place in conjunction with the Open Missouri launch. You…
I know it’s wrong, but I’m still holding on ….
By Jean Maneke
There's a group of county commissioners struggling with sunshine law issues in the state. It started when a closed meeting was held to discuss firing a county department supervisor. While the closed meeting vote appears to have been properly…
Oh, you know we’ve got to find a way To bring some understanding here today, What’s going on? Ya, Tell me what’s going on
By Jean Maneke
A few days ago, a newspaper called to ask me about the response it received to a request to the local police department about all incident reports for the past month. Incident reports, of course, are open records under…
Happy new year May we all have a vision now and then Of a world where every neighbour is a friend and the Sunshine law violations all end
By Jean Maneke
There's no doubt that there are issues which public bodies need to discuss that are best not brought before the public body in open session. I never would argue that a personnel matter should only be discussed in open session. …