Bill to make it easier to access state records is awaiting action

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – A proposed bill that aims to make it easier to access government records is currently awaiting action in the Wisconsin State Legislature. The legislation would make it easier for groups who pursue legal action over government records to win back legal fees for their expenses. It states that legal fees must be awarded to the requester of government records if a court determines that the filing of the lawsuit was a substantial factor in the decision to release those records.

Bill author state Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, stated during a Senate hearing this spring.

Open records requests can lead to the discovery of waste, fraud and abuse. Unfortunately, some governments and government officials try to run out the clock on open records requests.

The need for the bill was proposed in 2017 when a citizens group called “Friends of Frame Park” sued Waukesha after the city partially denied a request for documents related to plans for a semi-professional baseball team. 

The city ended up providing a draft agreement that it previously withheld after the lawsuit was filed but before a judge ruled on the release of records in the case. 

The bill was approved by the State Senate in May and advanced to a hearing in the State Assembly in June.

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