State Auditor details violations of 'Sunshine Law'
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State Auditor details violations of 'Sunshine Law'

Date: March 13, 2012
By: Mary McGuire
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
State Auditor Tom Schweich released a report Monday detailing various violations of the state's 'Sunshine Law' by state and local government over the past two years.
RunTime:  0:43
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: 34 of the audits reported that government officials failed to document closed door meetings.

Deputy State Auditor Harry Otto stresses the importance of following the law precisely.

Actuality:  PEARCEFA.WAV
Run Time:  00:20
Description: "Even though it's a closed session, they should keep minutes and record votes...those generally never do see the light of day, but they are there for historical purposes."

Otto says educating newly elected officials on the law will help alleviate the problem.

The Auditor's report comes during Sunshine Law Awareness Week in Missouri.

Reporting from the State Capital, I'm Mary McGuire.

Intro: 
Numerous violations of the Sunshine Law by state and local government officials over the past two years have been documented in a report released during Sunshine Law Awareness Week in Missouri.
RunTime:  0:36
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: State Auditor Tom Schweich says 29 audits stated that governmental officials discussed topics in closed door meetings that were not allowed under state law.

Deputy State Auditor Harry Otto says the Sunshine Law is crucial for keeping lawmakers accountable.

The Law allows public to access to government meeting records.  

Actuality:  OTTO2.WAV
Run Time:  00:08
Description: "The Auditor's Office has access to those to see if the reason that they went into closed session and the minutes that they kept are consistent."

Otto says educating newly elected legislators is crucial in ensuring the law is being followed properly.

Reporting from the State Capital, I'm Mary McGuire.