Bill would allow return of Missouri 'Blue Book' in print

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's official state manual has been banished to the Internet for the last few years. But it could make a return to print.

The Legislature sent the governor a bill that would let the secretary of state's office share the electronic publication with a nonprofit organization, which would print and distribute it to the public.

Known as the "Blue Book," the Official Manual of the State of Missouri contains information about public officials, state agencies, elections, political parties and other things.

It was printed every two years until a 2010 law barred its continued paper publication. The intent was to save about $1.7 million in costs.

This year's legislation says a nonprofit organization could sell the manuals.

It is online at sos.mo.gov/archives/mdh_splash/default.asp?coll=bluebook.