F. Exceptions Found Outside of Chapter 610, Rsmo ("otherwise Protected from Disclosure by Law")

• Library: The Sunshine Law Guidebook (2019 Ed.)

F. Exceptions Found Outside of Chapter 610, RSMo ("Otherwise Protected From Disclosure By Law")

Section 610.021(14), RSMo Supp. 2018, authorizes closure of a meeting, record, or vote to the extent that it relates to records that are protected from disclosure by law. While every other exemption cited in § 610.021 allows closure, but does not require it, there may be instances under this exemption when a public governmental body is required to close a meeting or record because another provision of law mandates confidentiality.

Administrative rules of a public entity do not qualify as "otherwise protected from disclosure by law." Pulitzer Publ'g Co. v. Mo. State Emps.' Ret. Sys., 927 S.W.2d 477 (Mo. App. W.D. 1996).

Many statutes, both state and federal, operate to close records in specific cases. The statute pertaining to the specific subject matter of the records or meetings in question should always be consulted. Each statute is different, so careful scrutiny is advised. It is worth remembering that exceptions...