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Open Government
Wisconsin's open government laws promote democracy by ensuring that all state, regional and local governments conduct their business with transparency. Wisconsin citizens have a right to know how their government is spending their tax dollars and exercising the powers granted by the people. This page is a resource for all Wisconsinites to understand and exercise their right to access their government.
Save the Date for our 2013 Public Records and Open Meetings Seminars!
|
Public Records & Open Meetings |
October 11, 2013 |
9:00 a.m. – noon |
Madison |
|
Public Records & Open Meetings |
October 29, 2013 | 9:00 a.m. – noon | Pewaukee |
|
Open Meeting |
October 31, 2013 |
9:00-10:30 a.m., followed by question and answer period | Webinar |
| Public Records |
October 31, 2013 |
1:00-2:30 p.m., followed by question and answer period | Webinar |
These seminars are open to the public, free of charge. Registration will begin September 3, 2013, here. Additional information can be found here.
Open Meetings Law
Wisconsin's Open Meetings Law, enacted in 1976, attempts to promote openness in government and to provide Wisconsin citizens with an opportunity to observe and educate themselves about their government's operations.
Resources
Compliance Guide, 2010 (pdf)
PowerPoint Presentation, 2012 (ppt)
Webinar, 2011 (wmv)
Wisconsin Open Meetings Law, Wis. Stat. §§ 19.81 to 19.98
Public Records Law
Wisconsin's Public Records Law took much of its present form in 1981 and is in place to provide the public with reasonable access to public records at reasonable costs.
Resources
Compliance Outline, 2012 (pdf)
PowerPoint Presentation, 2012 (ppt)
Attorney General’s Welcome (wmv)
Webinar, 2011 (wmv)
Webinar–Questions & Answers, 2011 (pdf)
Wisconsin Public Records Law, Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31 to 19.39
Attorney General Opinions and Memoranda
- Memorandum, January 14, 2013. The Wisconsin Supreme Court decision in Juneau County Star-Times v. Juneau County is explained in this informational memorandum.
- Memorandum, April 27, 2012. This memorandum addresses how 2011 Wisconsin Act 283 relates to the Wisconsin Public Records Law.
- Memorandum, July 28, 2010. The practical impact of the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision in Schill v. Wisconsin Rapids School District on public records custodians and public records requesters is discussed.
- I-06-09, Dec. 23, 2009. This informal opinion discusses how the content of a social website maintained by government official and used to discuss government business likely is a public record.
- OAG 7-09, Nov. 16, 2009. This formal opinion answers questions about Wis. Stat. section 12.13(5) prohibition against disclosure of certain records and investigative information related to possible violations of Wisconsin elections, lobbying, and ethics laws.
- I-02-09, March 19, 2009. This informal opinion provides guidance for analyzing whether an entity constitutes a “quasi-governmental corporation” that is an “authority” subject to the Wisconsin Public Records Law.
- I-02-08, April 29, 2008. The intersection of the Wisconsin Public Records Law with the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act is discussed in this informal opinion.
- I-03-07, Sept. 27, 2007. This informal opinion discusses the intersection of federal medical records privacy rules and Wisconsin law regarding access to records.
Sample Documents
These samples are provided for illustrative purposes only. Always review applicable legal requirements and consider the unique factual circumstances presented by a specific situation.
Public Records Request Clarification Letter Sample 1 | Sample 2
Public Records Request Prepayment Letter
Pre-release Notice: Required by Wis. Stat. § 19.356(2)(a)1. Sample 1 | Sample 2
Making a Public Records Request for Records of the Department of Justice
Send your request in letter form to the attention of Kevin C. Potter, Office of the Attorney General, Wisconsin Department of Justice, 17 W. Main St., P.O. Box 7857, Madison, WI 53707-7857. No special form is needed to submit your request. The response time will vary depending on the type of documents you seek, whether it is related to a criminal activity and whether or not the case is closed. We respond to all requests as soon as practicable and without delay. Information on charges to obtain records can be found on the: DOJ Public Records Notice.
