Judie
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has declared the successful elimination of the longstanding backlog of public records requests under the state’s Sunshine Law.
Since assuming office in January 2023, Bailey’s team has processed a significant number of requests, addressing concerns about transparency and efficiency.
Progress in Numbers
Upon taking office, Bailey inherited 224 pending requests from the previous administration, some dating back two years. Between January 2023 and February 2025, the Attorney General’s Office received a total of 1,465 Sunshine Law requests.
As of February 2025, 1,390 of these requests have been completed, leaving 75 pending, 35 of which were submitted in the current year.
| Timeframe | Requests Received | Requests Completed | Pending Requests |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2023 – February 2025 | 1,465 | 1,390 | 75 |
Strategies Implemented
To address the backlog, Bailey introduced a first-come, first-served policy, ensuring that older requests were prioritized.
This approach aimed to tackle the most delayed requests first, though it meant newer, simpler inquiries awaited processing. Additionally, Bailey allocated new staff specifically to manage and expedite the review of pending requests.
Challenges and Criticisms
While the backlog has been significantly reduced, some critics argue that the first-come, first-served strategy may have inadvertently prolonged the processing time for newer requests.
State Senator Maggie Nurrenbern expressed concern over the remaining 75 pending requests, emphasizing the importance of timely responses to all inquiries.
Attorney General’s Response
Bailey acknowledged the complexities involved in processing certain requests, especially those requiring meticulous review to prevent breaches of attorney-client privilege.
He emphasized the commitment to transparency and the ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of the records request process.
Looking Forward
The Attorney General’s Office continues to refine its procedures to ensure prompt and thorough responses to public records requests.
The goal remains to maintain transparency and uphold the public’s trust by providing timely access to information.
FAQs
What is the Sunshine Law?
Missouri’s Sunshine Law mandates that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public, promoting transparency in government.
How can I submit a Sunshine Law request?
Requests can be submitted via email to sunshinerequest@ago.mo.gov. For records held by other public bodies, contact the respective agency directly.
What caused the initial backlog of requests?
The backlog resulted from a combination of factors, including a high volume of requests and limited resources allocated for processing them in previous administrations.