Show-Me State Times

Today, the Missouri Attorney General's Office initiated legal action against Kansas City for alleged violations of Missouri's Sunshine Law. The lawsuit, filed in Jackson County Circuit Court, accuses Mayor Quinton Lucas's administration of failing to comply with a document request submitted over six weeks ago.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey highlighted the importance of transparency, stating, "Missourians have a right to know how their money is being spent—and my office will not stand by while public officials try to hide the truth." He emphasized the significance of governmental transparency under Missouri law.

The issue began on March 3, 2025, when the Attorney General's Office submitted three Sunshine Law requests to the City of Kansas City. These requests related to financial records concerning outside legal counsel retained by city officials. However, the city has yet to provide any records, cost estimates, or communication regarding the delay, despite promising to do so within 15 days. Bailey criticized this lack of response, stating, "The people’s elected representatives took bold action to support law enforcement in Kansas City. Mayor Lucas has fought the people of Missouri every step of the way."

The lawsuit seeks immediate compliance from the City of Kansas City and requests civil penalties for what it describes as "knowing and purposeful violations" of the Sunshine Law. Attorney General Bailey stressed, "Our government answers to the people—it does not get to hide from them."

The case underscores the ongoing tensions between state officials and Kansas City's administration concerning transparency and fiscal accountability. The Attorney General views this lawsuit as a crucial step in ensuring that elected officials adhere to the law and that Missourians receive the transparency they are entitled to.