SB 944 - This act makes various changes to Chapter 610, RSMo, relating to the Sunshine Law.

The definition for "public governmental body" is amended to include advisory committees appointed to recommend policy or funding changes to the executive officers of the body. A "public meeting" shall include a vote of a majority or more of a public governmental body that is conducted in lieu of holding a public meeting.

All votes of a public body, except those of a purely procedural nature, must be taken by roll call regardless of whether the meeting is open or closed.

Public meeting notices must advise the public of the matters to be considered. The notice must be made available to the news media concurrently with the notice being made available to the members of the public body. A public meeting must be held in a location that will accommodate the expected attendants and, if held by electronic means, must allow the public to witness the proceedings. A journal or minutes of all meetings must be taken and retained.

Meetings, records and votes could be closed for the reasons listed in Section 610.021, RSMo. The exception for legal actions is clarified to require release of any vote and settlement agreement upon final disposition of the matter. Real estate transactions must be released within 72 hours of the approval of the contract. The names and cities of residence of final applicants for executive officers of public bodies must be released once the choices are made. If a meeting is closed, the remaining portion of the facility housing the meeting must be left open to the public for any subsequent open session after the closed proceedings.

Public governmental bodies are prohibited from entering into any contract or obligation that would significantly impair the ability of the public to inspect or copy public records. Fees for duplication are amended to allow recovery of the cost of any tape or disk used to provide records. All bodies are strongly encouraged to provide electronic access to public records.

Purposeful violations of Chapter 610, RSMo, shall subject the body or member to a civil fine of up to $500 and allow the court to impose fees and costs.

Dispositions of criminal cases would be accessible. Persons who are subject to a court order to expunge or edit arrest information and fails to do so, is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. Any person who uses expunged arrest information for financial gain is guilty of a Class D felony.
DENISE GARNIER