Attorney General's Media Advisory

January 21, 2010

Attorney General's Office to offer Sunshine Law workshop for law enforcement officials Jan. 26

Jefferson City, Mo. — A free workshop pertaining to the Missouri Sunshine Law will be held on Tuesday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Black River Coliseum, 301 S. 5th Street, Poplar Bluff. This presentation will be offered to members of law enforcement agencies throughout southeast Missouri who are charged with the responsibility of complying with records requests pursuant to the Sunshine Law.

The workshop for law enforcement personnel will be conducted by Tom Durkin, public education director for the Missouri Attorney General's Office.

The workshop is part of an on-going effort by Attorney General Chris Koster to provide government officials with the support they need to be well informed in conducting their business in a way that brings 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; and
• Fees for copying public records.

For additional information regarding this meeting contact Tom Durkin at the Attorney General's Office (573) 751-3321. Or contact Lt. Chuck Stratton at the Poplar Bluff Police Department (573) 712-2590.

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. If you would like to request a personal seminar or order publications, call 573-751-8844 or submit your request online at ago.mo.gov.

All media inquiries should be directed to the Press Secretary.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818