L. Effect of Closure, Who May Access

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

L. Effect of Closure, Who May Access

Unlike previous sections that discussed when records otherwise closed could be opened, these provisions deal with records that remain closed, but may nonetheless be accessed. As originally passed in 1981, § 610.120, now RSMo Supp. 2018, allowed access only to "courts, administrative agencies, and law enforcement agencies for the purposes of prosecution, litigation, sentencing, and parole consideration." Section 610.120.

1. Closed Records Not Destroyed

Records required to be closed are not to be destroyed, merely made inaccessible to the general public. Section 610.120.1, RSMo Supp. 2018. The records are to be removed from public access and, when possible, the pages retyped, rewritten, or blacked out. Section 610.120.2. But if the conviction is expunged the records must be destroyed. Section 610.124.1, RSMo 2000.

2. Access to Closed Records

Section 610.120.1, RSMo Supp. 2018, states that closed records may be accessed by certain persons and entities. The Eastern District of the...