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PRESS RELEASE: Progress Missouri Calls on Sen. Kehoe, Senate Majority to Abide by Sunshine Law

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Pamela Merritt, 314-374-4067, pamela@progressmissouri.org

Progress Missouri Calls on Sen. Kehoe, Senate Majority to Abide by Sunshine Law
Sunshine Law is Clear: “A public body shall allow for the recording by audiotape, videotape, or other electronic means of any open meeting.”

Following Sen. Mike Kehoe’s declaration today that members of the public would not be allowed to film a public hearing, Sean Soendker Nicholson, Executive Director of Progress Missouri, released the following statement:

“We aren’t quite sure why Senator Kehoe and the Senator Majority Caucus are scared that the public might see what they’re doing in public hearings, but the Sunshine Law is quite clear on this matter: ‘A public body shall allow for the recording by audiotape, videotape, or other electronic means of any open meeting.’

“We are reviewing our options for further action now.

“All members of the public should have access to public meetings of their government. The basic collection of video at public hearings, including online streaming, allows Missourians unable to travel to the Capitol to know more about what their legislature is doing, and encourages more civic participation.”

Kehoe also indicated in today’s hearing that members of the Capitol Press Association would only be able to film public hearings he chairs if they received “previous permission” from the Senator.

In previous years, Sen. Will Kraus, Sen. Ron Richard and former Senator Scott Rupp have denied members of the public to film public committee hearings, despite the Sunshine Law’s assertion that “a public body shall allow for the recording by audiotape, videotape, or other electronic means of any open meeting.” Former Senator Brian Nieves instituted bizarre prohibitions on tripod use for filming public hearings he chaired, effectively barring television coverage of public legislative activity.

The Missouri Sunshine Law, Chapter 610, Revised Statutes of Missouri may be found online here.