MO HB1299

Requires public officials transmitting messages about public business electronically to two or more members (creating a majority) to concurrently transmit to the official's public office computer or records custodian in the same format, making such messages public records subject to exceptions.

Defines "mobile communication device" to include cellular phones and other mobile electronic devices capable of sending email for purposes of the sunshine law.

Shifts burden of proof so public governmental bodies must demonstrate compliance with sunshine law requirements in legal proceedings, with a presumption that meetings, records, and votes are open to the public.

Increases civil penalties for violations from up to $1,000 to up to $10,000, and eliminates the distinction between "knowing" and "purposeful" violations while removing the separate $5,000 penalty tier.

Changes "may" to "shall" requiring public governmental bodies in doubt about closing meetings, records, or votes to bring suit at their own expense or seek an attorney general opinion to determine propriety of the action.