Open records requests in Missouri

How the Missouri Sunshine Law works

Missouri's Sunshine Law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.010 et seq.) covers both open records and open meetings, applying to any public governmental body, including all three branches of state government and all local entities. Any person may request public records, and agencies must respond as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the third business day. If records are not immediately available, a detailed production timeline must be provided within ten business days. Knowing violations are subject to civil penalties up to $5,000.

Fees may be charged for the cost of research, duplication, and delivery, including staff time for complex requests. Common exemptions include personnel files, attorney-client communications, trade secrets, and records protected under other state statutes. Enforcement actions may be brought by the Attorney General or in circuit court by any aggrieved person. Missouri's combination of short deadlines, broad coverage, and meaningful penalties makes it one of the more robust Sunshine Law regimes in the country.