Open Records and Sunshine Law Requests

FOIA requests are directed at federal agencies, while sunshine law requests are directed at state and local government bodies. In Missouri, the Sunshine Law is specifically codified in RSMO Chapter 610 and outlines the public’s right to access government records and attend public meetings.

No. The Sunshine Law states that the City must respond to your request no later than the end of the third business day following the date the request is received. It’s important to note that this three-day period is for the response to your request, not necessarily the production of the records. State law allows government bodies to inform the requestor if they cannot provide the records within the three-day response time frame by giving the requestor its reason, in writing, of the need for additional time, and give an estimated time when they will be able to produce the records.

No. Only existing records can be obtained. The City will not create reports or other new documents. Sunshine Law requests should not be framed in terms of questions, but rather ask for specific documents. Some records kept by the City are closed records under Missouri Law and not accessible to the public under the Sunshine Law. If the records are “closed” records, the City Clerk will notify the requestor of that fact within three days. NOTE: If the only person able to produce the requested records is unavailable at the time of the request, the time frame for producing the record does not begin until that person returns.

If you do, response to your request will be delayed since all Sunshine Requests -except those related to law enforcement- are forwarded to the City Clerk by all departments for action per in accordance with City policy. The time frame for responding to the your request does not begin until the request has been received by the City Clerk.

Rarely do we waive costs incurred to produce records to any requestor for any reason to ensure that we treat all requests equally. We do provide the itemized, estimated actual cost in advance so you can determine whether you wish to proceed with your request. Your payment will be required in advance of the requested records being produced.

The more details you provide (date ranges, subject matter, departments), the easier and faster we can fulfill your request—and potentially at lower cost.

The Missouri Sunshine Law does not require requests to be submitted in a specific format. However, our office encourages all requests to be made in writing—whether by form, letter, or email—so you have a record of what you requested and when. Using the Sunshine Request Form helps ensure we receive all the information needed to process your request quickly and accurately, and may help reduce response time and cost.

Let us know right away. If we haven’t started work or received payment, the request can be withdrawn with no cost to you.

In July 2025, the City of Fulton repealed and replaced its local Sunshine Law provisions to better reflect current legal standards and operational needs. The previous ordinance, adopted in 2019, no longer aligned with Missouri law or with how public records and meetings are handled today.

This update ensures:

• Full compliance with the Missouri Sunshine Law (RSMo Chapter 610)
• Clearer procedures for requesting records and accessing public meetings
• Improved transparency, consistency, and accountability

The revised code strengthens our commitment to open government and makes the process easier for both the public and staff.

Visit the Missouri Attorney General’s website:
https://ago.mo.gov/missouri-law/sunshine-law