More education is needed on Missouri’s Sunshine Law

Missouri journalists know the Sunshine Law because we use it every day. We push to keep government records and meetings open and accessible because it is necessary for our reporting.

But what about the general public?

Most Missourians don’t realize they rely on the Sunshine Law just as much as journalists do. Whether checking school board minutes, reading a local crime report or watching a city council meeting, Sunshine Law ensures government transparency. Yet, many people — public officials and citizens alike — don’t fully understand how it works, and that’s why the Missouri Sunshine Coalition is committed to educating communities.

In January, we co-hosted two free Missouri Sunshine Law training sessions in northeast Missouri — one in Edina (Knox County) and another in Palmyra (Marion County). These sessions were open to the public and drew a strong turnout, especially from local government officials who wanted and needed to learn more about the laws governing public records.

The biggest takeaway? Basic Sunshine Law knowledge is not common, even among those required to follow it.

Why Sunshine Law education matters

Increasing Sunshine Law education statewide is a key part of the coalition’s mission. Why? Because knowledge is power. The more local officials and citizens know about their rights and responsibilities surrounding public information, the better our society will be.

And demand for this information is high.

In Edina, the trainer, a former director of Sunshine Law compliance at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, noted it was the largest training session he had conducted in his two years in the role. In Palmyra, he said the turnout was among the biggest in the state.

Common confusion and a path forward

During our training sessions, we saw firsthand how public bodies struggle to fully understand Sunshine Law requirements. Officials expressed confusion over:

• When and how to legally close a meeting.
• What topics can and cannot be discussed in closed session.
• How to handle the public portions of closed meeting records.

The good news? The training sessions made a big difference, with many officials left feeling more confident about fulfilling public information requests, and exit surveys showed strong support for making Sunshine Law training an annual event.

Accessing the training

For those outside of northeast Missouri, both training sessions — Edina and Palmyra — are available on YouTube (@TheEdinaSentinel). The videos run 70 to 90 minutes and are packed with useful, real-world information for journalists, government officials, and engaged citizens alike.

Sunshine Law is the foundation of government transparency in Missouri. The more we know, the better we can hold power accountable.

Echo Menges joined Missouri Sunshine Coalition in 2019 and currently serves as president. A credentialed member of the Missouri press for 15 years, she has dedicated her career to bringing journalism to rural communities. Menges is the editor of The Edina Sentinel and reports for the NEMO News Media Group’s family-owned, independent newspapers in northeast Missouri. She is an award-winning reporter and photographer recognized by the Missouri Press Association.