Wisconsin is a "blue sky" state; there is a statutory presumption in favor of access to governmental records and meetings. But there are limits to that access. In 2003, the Legislature amended the Public Records Law to provide additional rights for the subjects of public records. If you don't know what these limits and rights are, you need the State Bar CLE Books' publication, The Wisconsin Public Records and Open Meetings Handbook.

Learn the two laws

The Handbook, produced in cooperation with the State Bar's Government Lawyers Division, thoroughly explores Wisconsin’s laws on public records and open meetings:

• Part One discusses the practical applications of the Public Records Law, including the notice provisions created by the 2003 amendment. There is also guidance on requesting records, responding to records requests, and applicable time limits.
• Part Two takes a practical look at the Open Meetings Law, discussing the definition of open, notice requirements, when a meeting may be closed to the public, and enforcement.

Both laws are reprinted in full in the appendix, as are other useful references.

New in the 2009 revision!

• Click here to find out what’s new in the 2009 edition

Summary of contents

I. Public Records Law

1. Overview of Wisconsin’s Public Records Law
2. Making and Responding to a Public Records Request
3. Privileges
4. Access to Personnel Records in the Custody of a Public Official
5. Law Enforcement Records
6. Pupil and Juvenile Records in the Possession of a School District
7. Contractors’ Records
8. Fees a Records Custodian May Charge
9. Enforcement
10. Issues Involving Electronic Public Records
11. Freedom of Information Act

II. Open Meetings Law

12. Coverage of the Open Meetings Law
13. Definition of "Meeting"
14. Accessibility and Openness
15. Notice
16. Voting and Record Keeping
17. Closed Meetings
18. Enforcement and Penalties

Appendices

1. Selected Public Records and Open Meetings Rules and Statutes
2. Sample Notices Concerning Record Requests
3. Key Cases
4. Statutory Exceptions
5. City of Baraboo Joint Review Board Meeting: Public Notice
6. Verified Open Meetings Law Complaint
7. Article: Rediscovering the Lost Art of Verbal Conversation and Decreasing Your Legal Liability

Keep Wisconsin government open
Whether you represent a governmental entity or employee, or a private citizen seeking information from the government, this handbook will be your guide to Wisconsin's Public Records and Open Meetings laws.

Order your copy today!

382+ pp.; 4th ed. 2009
Please note: The format of the new fourth edition has been changed from paperback to loose-leaf for ease of frequent updating to keep you current.

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