Access to records maintained by public governmental bodies took a hit in the 2016 legislative session. New laws, if signed by Governor Nixon, will limit public access to police videos, some voluntary agricultural data, and crime scene photographs. Most bills that were approved become effective on August 28, 2016, unless noted. A total of 148 bills were passed this session.
There were a few brushes where defense by MPA came into play with bills attempting to limit public records and limit public notices published in newspapers.
A bill to close police records related to incidents of suicide and attempted suicide did not pass (HB 2473, sponsored by Rep. Genise Montecillo).
A bill to close the names of Missouri Lottery winners did not pass (HB 2422, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy LaFaver).
A bill to close certain records in County Assessors’ offices did not pass (HB 1956, sponsored by Rep. Dean Dohrman).