Missouri Media Organizations Sue MSHP over Redacted Crash Reports
The news groups say redactions block journalists from verifying fatal crashes and public safety risks, and they seek penalties plus attorneys' fees.
- The Missouri Press Association and the Missouri Broadcasters Association filed a lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court, alleging the Missouri State Highway Patrol illegally redacts crash report information that has been public for nearly 30 years.
- Since November 1, 2024, the Highway Patrol has redacted crash reports, citing concerns that public access to victim identities could allow scammers to target family members of victims.
- Plaintiffs argue the redactions are "unauthorized under the Sunshine Law or any other law." Chad Stebbins, Executive Director of the Missouri Press Association, stated the policy prevents communities from understanding safety issues on roads they travel.
- The petition asks the court to order the Highway Patrol to restore unredacted public access and seeks civil penalties between $1,000 and $5,000 per plaintiff, alongside attorneys' fees.
- Joining the lawsuit are Gray Media, Warden Publishing Company, and Show-Me Press Association President Roxie Murphy. Chad Mahoney, President and CEO of the Missouri Broadcasters Association, noted stations receive complaints from viewers unable to identify neighbors involved in crashes.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Missouri Press, Missouri Broadcasters associations sue MSHP Over Blacked-Out Crash Reports
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Press Association (MPA) and the Missouri Broadcasters Association (MBA) have filed a petition in Cole County Circuit Court against the Missouri State Highway Patrol, […] The post Missouri Press, Missouri Broadcasters associations sue MSHP Over Blacked-Out Crash Reports appeared on Carthage News Online.
Missouri Independent
Missouri media organizations sue highway patrol over redacted crash reports
Four media organizations, including the Missouri Broadcasters Association and the Missouri Press Association, have filed a lawsuit against the Missouri State Highway Patrol alleging the patrol’s redacted crash reports violate the state’s open records law. The MBA and MPA, alongside Gray Media and Warden Publishing Company Managing Editor Roxie Murphy, are asking the Highway Patrol […]
Cherokee Tribune Ledger News
Missouri media organizations sue MSHP over redacted crash reports
Organizations that represent hundreds of Missouri newsrooms filed a lawsuit arguing the Missouri State Highway Patrol violated the Sunshine Law.
Missouri news organizations sue MSHP for access to names of those involved in crashes
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Several media companies and associations have sued the Missouri State Highway Patrol to restore access to the names of those involved in crashes. The Missouri Broadcasters Association, Missouri Press Association, Gray Local Media, Warden Public Company and editor Roxie Murphy are listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit against MSHP. ABC 17 News
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