MO SB854

Repeals and replaces section 610.100, RSMo, relating to disclosure of police officer identity in investigative reports

Establishes that investigative reports are closed records until an investigation becomes inactive, defined as when the law enforcement agency decides not to pursue the case, the statute of limitations expires (or ten years after offense, whichever is earliest), or all convictions become final after exhaustion of appeals

Requires redaction of information identifying law enforcement officers (other than officers who are subjects of criminal investigations) from otherwise open records when disclosure would pose a clear and present danger to safety or jeopardize criminal investigations

Allows courts to order disclosure of closed investigative reports upon action by any person if the benefit to the person or public outweighs harm to law enforcement; courts may assess costs and attorneys' fees to the requesting party unless the agency's decision to keep records closed was substantially unjustified

Establishes civil penalties of up to $1,000 for knowing violations and up to $5,000 for purposeful violations of unlawfully closed incident or arrest reports, with courts determining penalties based on jurisdiction size, offense seriousness, and prior violations