JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway on Wednesday criticized Attorney General Eric Schmitt over his silence on whether the governor and state agencies may cite the First Amendment to redact public records.

In May, the Democratic auditor submitted a formal request for an opinion from the attorney general, a Republican, on whether it is appropriate for a government entity to redact information related to individuals conducting business with the state or lobbying state officials.

On May 9, Schmitt’s office indicated they would be in contact within 90 days. That deadline passed on Monday.

“I would expect that he would give an opinion as to whether it is appropriate to redact the information of those attempting to conduct business with or lobby a government entity. Missourians deserve to know who is influencing their government,” Galloway said.

Though the letter from the attorney general’s office said they would be in contact within 90 days regarding Galloway’s request, it did not say an opinion would be issued within that time frame.