MO HB1445

Requires Missouri Ethics Commission complaints to be properly signed, notarized, and allege facts within the commission's jurisdiction before investigation begins; removes "probable cause" standard from frivolous complaint dismissals.

Establishes mandatory open meetings training (1-2 hours) for all public governmental body members within one year of taking office, covering procedures, notice requirements, closed meeting rules, and penalties.

Creates mandatory open records training (1-2 hours) for elected/appointed officials in multimember bodies, single-officer bodies, and public information officers, covering requests, procedures, and compliance requirements.

Requires public bodies to provide closed meeting minutes summaries as open records; allows closure of specific records only upon good cause shown with written order explaining reasons; establishes presumption that meetings are open unless proven otherwise.

Increases civil penalties for purposeful violations of open meetings/records laws from $5,000 to $8,000 and requires courts to award attorney fees and costs to prevailing parties; clarifies that body must prove right to close meetings.