Missouri Supreme Court Updates Rules on Public Access and Redaction of Court Records

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Supreme Court of Missouri has approved rule changes aimed at improving remote public access to court documents while providing clearer and more consistent standards for confidentiality and redaction.

The Court refined several court operating rules to streamline public access to records, define uniform terminology related to redaction, and clarify what information is considered confidential. A new rule establishes the standard required for sealing court records, while revisions specify that only defined confidential information or records sealed, expunged, or closed by law may be redacted without court approval.

The changes also simplify redaction procedures, remove the requirement for a confidential redaction information filing sheet when redacted and unredacted documents are filed together, and exempt transcripts of open court proceedings from routine redaction requirements. Courts may impose sanctions if a filer acts in bad faith by failing to properly redact confidential information or by over-redacting records.

The revisions take effect July 1, 2026. The Court plans to provide additional guidance before implementation to promote consistency for attorneys and the public.