Bill > HB857

This bill establishes comprehensive requirements for public meetings of local government bodies (defined as governing bodies of counties, cities, towns, or villages) in Missouri. Before July 1, 2026, each governing body must adopt a meeting speaker policy that guarantees a designated public comment period at the beginning of regular meetings, during which residents, businesses, and taxpayers can speak freely without content restrictions. The policy mandates that speakers must be allowed at least three minutes each, with the total public comment period limited to one hour or twenty speakers, whichever is less. Speakers can only be required to provide their name and address, and cannot be banned from meetings unless they commit a peace disturbance offense. The bill also requires governing bodies to provide a method for individuals unable to attend meetings to submit written statements, and stipulates that meetings must be conducted in a manner allowing physical public attendance. For meetings held with less than 24 hours' notice or conducted electronically, the governing body must document the justification for the unusual circumstances in the meeting minutes. The overall goal is to enhance transparency and public participation in local government proceedings.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB857&year=2025&code=R