Attorney General's News Release
March 6, 2012
Attorney General’s Office to offer Sunshine Law Workshop March 16
Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Chris Koster’s office will hold a free workshop on the Missouri Sunshine Law during this year’s Sunshine Week. The presentation will be Friday, March 16, at 10:00 a.m. in Jefferson City at the Governor Office Building located at 200 Madison Avenue, Room 450. The public is invited to attend, along with all interested elected officials and members of boards and commissions.
The 90-minute presentation will be offered by the Attorney General’s Office Public Education Director, Tom Durkin; Assistant Attorney General Margaret Landwehr; and Sunshine Law Coordinator Brenda Siegler. In addition, former Jefferson City Mayor John Landwehr will speak about his experience with the Sunshine Law as an elected official. Mr. Landwehr will address issues such as transparency and the public trust, having an open debate even when one is not required and the status of information properly closed.
The workshop is being offered during National Sunshine Week, March 11 – 17, and is part of an on-going effort by Attorney General Chris Koster to provide government officials with the support they need to bring transparency and fairness to all aspects of government. Topics covered in the presentation will include:
- Who does the Sunshine Law apply to?
- What is a public meeting?
- What is a public record?
- Liberal construction of the law;
- Procedures and limitations for closing meetings and records;
- Appointing a custodian of records;
- Fees for copying public records; and
- Frequently asked questions.
Seating is limited. If you plan to attend, please contact Tom Durkin at tom.durkin@ago.mo.gov or call (573)751-8844 to reserve your place.
The Attorney General’s office also offers a free booklet containing a summary of the Sunshine Law, frequently asked questions, interpretations of the law and sample forms for public governmental bodies. You can order this publication online at www.ago.mo.gov