Last week, a reporter called with an interesting question. A public governmental body had received a letter of resignation from an employee. Normally I would consider that a "record pertaining to" an employee and therefore permissible to be a closed
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.
Latest from Sunshine in Missouri - Page 5
So much writing on the wall can you read it all, can you see through the haze when the writings small,
By Jean Maneke
This is one of those "did they or didn't they" stories. Perhaps, however, it deserves some award for creativity in terms of the sunshine law. The city council meets in closed session. The original minutes for that meeting say…
Into this life we’re born, from the dark end of the street to the bright side of the road
By Jean Maneke
A few weeks ago, a newspaper raised an interesting question that I keep pondering. It's not keeping me up, but I suspect it has kept some other lawyers up at night, or at least a little restless over the…
Who knows the answers Is it friend or is it foe Don’t ask me questions There are things you shouldn’t know
By Jean Maneke
One of the most important things that members of a public body do is to cast their votes. Making a decision, taking a stand — that's why members of a public body are elected to represent their constituents. But…
Whenever you call me, I’ll be there …Whenever you want me, I’ll be there …Whenever you need me, I’ll be there …I’ll be around.
By Jean Maneke
I've developed a healthy interest recently in the agendas of public governmental bodies. In fact, I'm collecting quite a cache of them. It's fascinating to see how various public bodies give notice of closed meetings. What I am discovering,…
You know you’ve got to find a way to bring some understanding here today, Come on talk to me.
By Jean Maneke
This is not a typical story for my readers, but unfortunately, it is "typical" for those who are reporters and who deal with police records on a regular basis. There's a newspaper in the state that is engaged in…
Time together and time to spare, Time to learn, time to care, Someday, somewhere
By Jean Maneke
Before I became a lawyer, I was a writer. I love to write. It's ingrained in every fiber of my being. So I thought blogging would be easy. I truly didn't realize that it takes the time it takes. …
And consider this You used to be my love I make excuses for you
By Jean Maneke
This week a city council met for its regular meeting, and an item that needed discussion was whether to pay its contribution to a metro-wide planning organization. During the citizen comment portion of the meeting, the council listened to…
Hush! Hush! Thought I heard you callin’ my name now….
By Jean Maneke
Just suppose you are a school board. And just suppose you are unhappy with your superintendent. I suppose you might decide to hold a closed meeting to talk about what to do about your superintendent. Okay so far…. And…
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: LSHYFYGFB, FOISFAHA …
By Jean Maneke
It's Sunshine Week across the land. I understand citizens wanting to share in the celebration of this basic principle of freedom in this land… they are the beneficiaries of the law, most certainly. And it's been good to see…