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State and local law enforcement officials and leaders of the Missouri School Boards’ Association joined Gov. Jay Nixon at the Missouri State Highway Patrol General Headquarters in Jefferson City Friday.

Nixon called for the reinstatement of important public safety exemptions to Missouri’s Sunshine Law. The exemptions, which expired at the end of 2012, prevent the release of security plans and procedures that protect facilities such as schools, courthouses, and hospitals.

At a new conference at the Missouri Highway Patrol General Headquarters, Nixon said, “Initially passed in the wake of 9-11, these provisions represent a proven and balanced approach to keeping sensitive security plans out of the hands of criminals and terrorists – while respecting the bedrock principles of transparency and accountability. Now is not the time to undermine the shared efforts of school officials, law enforcement, fire personnel and first responders to enhance our readiness over the past decade by weakening laws that protect our communities."