Missouri "Blue Book' could return to print

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri "Blue Book" is a page closer to marking its return to paper.

Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation that allows the secretary of state to provide an electronic copy of Missouri's official manual to a nonprofit organization. That group then can publish and sell the book in a paper format.

The official state manual, commonly known as the "Blue Book," had long been printed every two years - until a 2010 law barred its paper publication. The intent was to save about $1.7 million in costs.

But lawmakers have since heard from people who still prefer paper over computers.

The manual contains information about public officials and agencies, local governments, elections, political parties and other things.

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"Blue Book" bill is SB99.

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov

Official manual: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/mdh-splash/default.asp?collbluebook