HB 1211 Summary: Open Government Act

• Creates the "Open Government Act" as the official title for Chapter 119 and establishes an Open Government Bill of Rights guaranteeing citizens' rights to inspect public records and attend public meetings, with requirements that agencies treat requesters with respect and promptly acknowledge requests.

• Revises public records fees by capping standard copying at 15-20 cents per page, allows agencies to reduce or waive fees for valid public purposes, and requires the Department of State to develop consistent fee reduction policies.

• Transfers public meetings provisions from Section 286.011 to new Section 119.13, clarifying that all meetings of governmental bodies at which official acts are taken must be open to the public, with minutes promptly recorded and made available for inspection.

• Prohibits agencies from holding public meetings at facilities that discriminate based on sex, age, race, creed, color, origin, or economic status, or that unreasonably restrict public access.

• Establishes 10-year sunset review provisions for public records and meetings exemptions, requiring the Legislature to periodically review and reenact exemptions or they automatically repeal, and revises penalties for violations including noncriminal infractions and misdemeanors.