What other remedies exist when a public governmental body or its members violate the Sunshine Law?
If a court finds that a public governmental body or its members have “knowingly” violated the Sunshine Law, it shall order the body or members to pay a civil fine of up to $1,000. The court also may order the body or members to pay all costs incurred in the suit and reasonable attorney fees to any party successfully establishing a violation of the Sunshine Law (Section 610.027.3). If a court finds that a public governmental body or its members have “purposely” violated the Sunshine Law, it shall order the body or its members to pay a civil fine of up to $5,000. If the court finds a purposeful violation, it shall order the body or its members to pay all costs incurred in the suit and reasonable attorney fees to any party successfully establishing a violation of the Sunshine Law (Section 610.027.4). The amount of penalties in all cases depends on the size of the jurisdiction, the seriousness of the offense and whether the governmental body or its members have previously violated the Suns
Related Questions
- How can a public governmental body, its members and employees demonstrate they have acted in compliance with the Sunshine Law?
- Does the Sunshine Law apply to luncheon meetings of members of a public governmental body where public business is discussed?
- Who can bring an action charging a public governmental body or its members with a violation of the Sunshine Law?
