Missouri's Senate has endorsed an overhaul of the state's open meetings and records law, commonly called the Sunshine Law.
The bill given initial approval Tuesday would require government officials to give more notice for public meetings and disclose the general topics of closed sessions. Government agencies violating the existing laws could face a greater likelihood of penalties.
The overhaul was attached to legislation that extends open-record exemptions for security plans of government buildings until 2017. Guidelines developed by public health and safety agencies for responding to terrorism incidents would also be protected from open records requests.
The bill needs one more affirmative vote before moving to the House. The House also was considering Sunshine Law legislation on Tuesday.
