- Perfected -

SB 858 - This act revises the standard of proof for violations of the Sunshine Law. Under current law, penalties are assessed against governmental bodies for "purposeful" violations. This act would allow penalties for knowingly violating the Sunshine Law. The fine is changed from a maximum of $500, to a range of $500 to $2,500, depending on severity, repeat offender, and size of the jurisdiction. Upon a showing of a knowing violation, a party may recover attorney fees.

The changes in Section 610.021 clarify that all votes during meetings deemed closed for legal, real estate or personnel reasons will be by roll call and released when those meeting records become public.

STEPHEN WITTE