Governor Signs Judicial Privacy and Sunshine Law Reform Into Law

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed several bills into law on Monday, including House Bill 145, a measure that significantly reforms the state’s Judicial Privacy Act and the Missouri Sunshine Law.

Sponsored by Representative Bill Falkner and Senator Mike Henderson, HB 145 expands privacy protections for court-related officers, shielding personal information of judges and court employees from public disclosure. The bill also updates the Missouri Sunshine Law, introducing new exemptions designed to protect sensitive information. These include shielding the identities of minors involved in government activities, safeguarding visitor data collected at state parks, and restricting access to the locations of endangered species to help prevent ecological threats.

In addition, HB 145 introduces new guidelines for public records requests, allowing government agencies to charge upfront fees and clarifying rules around the timeframe and process for fulfilling those requests.

Supporters say the law balances transparency with safety and privacy concerns, while critics warn it could restrict access to public information.