What does the Missouri Open Records Law require?

The Missouri Open Records Law requires government records to be accessible to the public, unless they are specifically exempt from disclosure. This law is designed to promote transparency and accountability within government by ensuring that citizens can access public records and stay informed about government activities and decision-making processes. It underscores the principle that government operates in the open and that the public has the right to know how government functions.

While public meetings and other aspects of government transparency might be relevant, the primary focus of the law is on the accessibility of records. This means that most documents generated or received by public agencies must be made available for public scrutiny unless there is a compelling reason, defined by law, to keep those records confidential. This helps foster trust between citizens and their government and allows for informed public participation in government processes.