Missouri

Sunshine Law

Formally: Missouri Sunshine Law

Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 610.010–610.035

Read the statute →

Sunshine Score: 34/100 (weak)
34/100

Sunshine Score

34/100
Weak
Methodology v0.1
Advance Notice 1 day
Public Comment Not required, written accepted
Closed Sessions 7 permitted categories
Minutes Required
Recording Not required
Remote Participation Allowed
Enforcement Voidable, legislature exempt

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Regular Meetings
1 day
Special Meetings
1 day
Emergency Meetings
0 hours

Online posting: Not required

Post notice with tentative agenda at least 24 hours before meeting (excluding weekends and holidays when facility is closed) at principal office on bulletin board or other prominent place

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed — majority vote

Public Participation

Public Comment
Not required
Written Comment
Allowed

Missouri Sunshine Law (§ 610.010 et seq. RSMo) does not mandate a public comment period at open meetings. Bodies may allow or restrict comment at their discretion.

Virtual Meetings

Member Remote Participation
Allowed
Counts Toward Quorum
No
Public Remote Comment
Not allowed

Allowed under R.S.Mo. § 610.015; elected-body members may vote by videoconference for roll call votes. Physical presence required for quorum; remote members do not count toward quorum for general bodies. Emergency exception allows less-than-quorum in-person with nature of emergency documented in minutes.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

Meeting Minutes

Minutes Required
Yes
Publication Deadline
3 days

Online posting: Not required

Content requirements: date, time, place, members present, all votes taken and final actions (RSMO § 610.020(6))

Recording & Broadcast

Recording Required
No
Broadcast Required
No

Enforcement

Violation Effect
Voidable
Max Civil Penalty
$1,000
Standing to Sue
Any person, Attorney General, prosecuting attorney
Enforcement Body
Circuit Court, Attorney General, Prosecuting Attorney

Scope

This law applies to:

  • City
  • County
  • School District
  • Special District

Legislature: Exempt (follows own rules)

Accessibility & Language Access

ADA accessibility: ADA Title II applies to all public meetings. The state statute does not add requirements beyond federal law; reasonable accommodations must be provided on request.

Language access: No statutory language-access mandate beyond federal Civil Rights Act Title VI obligations for recipients of federal funds.

Sources & References

← Back to Open Meetings & Public Notice Laws

The specific rules for Missouri may differ from this general description. Consult the full statute for details.