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Transparency wanted: Missouri lawmakers should add teeth to Sunshine Law

Transparency in government is one of the most important issues the General Assembly must address.
Transparency in government is one of the most important issues the General Assembly must address. File photo

A bill now before the legislature would create a “transparency division” in the attorney general’s office with the aim of prosecuting Sunshine Law violations.

The office also would be empowered to serve a “civil investigative demand” for information related to a Sunshine Law violation. The document — similar to a subpoena — would put teeth in enforcement of one of the most important laws in the state.

The House passed the measure overwhelmingly in April. The Senate should follow suit in May.

More work to be done

The Missouri General Assembly has a number of other issues on its last-week to-do list. Lawmakers understand the stakes, and should be able to move quickly to address these lingering concerns:

Gas tax

Tax cuts

Gift ban

Child marriage

Medical marijuana

Sports gambling



This story was originally published May 14, 2018 at 6:52 PM with the headline "Transparency wanted: Missouri lawmakers should add teeth to Sunshine Law."

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