Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is nearing the completion of a backlog of public records requests dating back to 2023, clearing the way for processing this year’s submissions. Originally slated for completion by May, the backlog persisted due to staff turnover and a surge in requests. As of last week, only 15 requests from 2023 remained unresolved, according to Bailey’s spokeswoman, Madeline Sieren.
Bailey assumed office in January 2023 amid criticism over the handling of public records requests and his involvement in proposed amendments to weaken transparency laws during his tenure with Governor Mike Parson. The backlog, which numbered 224 pending requests upon his inauguration, ballooned last year from 468 to 784 requests. Despite assigning five staff members to address the backlog, Bailey’s policy of prioritizing older requests led to significant delays, with some requests taking up to a year to fulfill.
Responding to criticism, Sieren stated that new requests are now projected to be processed within 60 days, emphasizing that Bailey’s office does not levy fees for public records—a departure from standard practice among state agencies. Nevertheless, the delays have drawn sharp rebuke from legal experts like First Amendment attorney Bernie Rhodes, who contends that Bailey’s approach violates Missouri’s Sunshine Law mandating prompt public access to government records.
Rhodes, who represents various media outlets, including The Independent, criticized Bailey’s prioritization of legal matters over transparency obligations. He cited personal delays in obtaining basic documents, contrasting his experience with a swift response received by a political candidate from the same office.
Jeff Basinger, a Democratic candidate and Columbia attorney, echoed Rhodes’s concerns, highlighting the critical role of public access to governmental information in addressing issues affecting Missourians. He stressed that timely access to records is essential for citizens, journalists, and advocacy groups to effectively address public concerns.
Bailey’s efforts to streamline record requests are ongoing amid ongoing scrutiny over his commitment to governmental transparency. Critics argue that while legal duties like representing high-profile cases before the U.S. Supreme Court are discretionary, compliance with the Sunshine Law is not. As Bailey continues to grapple with these challenges, the public remains vigilant for improvements in access to government information.
This revised article adheres to professional news standards while preserving the original content and context of the report on Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s management of public records requests under the Sunshine Law.