NIXA, Mo. — City Attorney Nick Woodman presented a first reading Monday to amend the city code to reflect changes the Missouri Legislature made this year to the state’s sunshine law (House Bill 145), specifically adding parameters for when an agency may consider a public records request abandoned by a requester.

Woodman said HB 145 adds a default period: a records request may be considered abandoned if the requester has not communicated for 90 days, and that period extends to 150 days where the estimated fee for fulfilling the request exceeds $1,000. The proposed ordinance updates Chapter 2, Article 5 of the Nixa City Code so the city’s rules match the new state law. Woodman said staff highlighted the changes in the accompanying memo and recommended approval.

No public comment or opposition was offered during the first reading; the ordinance will return for a second reading and vote.

Ending: The council completed a first reading and will consider final adoption on second reading at a future meeting.