all meetings of all state and local governmental bodies shall be publicly held in places reasonably accessible to members of the public and shall be open to all citizens at all times unless otherwise expressly provided by law.
… it is declared to be the public policy of this state that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them…
The denial of public access generally is contrary to the public interest, and only in an exceptional case may access be denied.
Large Settlement with Wauwatosa School Board
https://www.wiopenrecords.com/post/wauwatosa-school-board-member-settles-meetings-case
Alleged Violations in Portage County
“Most of the violations occurred while Grys-Luecht was on the board and was trying to obtain information to do her job.”
https://www.wiopenrecords.com/post/former-supervisor-sues-town-of-grant-for-records
“It’s time to shine a light on this misbehavior and make it clear that the board faces real consequences. Transparency and public participation must be restored to maintain trust in local government.”
“Each supervisor faces fines of up to $300 for each violation.
This lawsuit follows an earlier suit alleging 22 counts of violating the Open Records Law. “
https://www.wiopenrecords.com/post/former-supervisor-files-second-lawsuit-against-town-of-grant
Relevant State Statutes
Wisconsin State Statute § 19.31
Wis. Stat. § 19.31 Declaration of policy. In recognition of the fact that a representative government is dependent upon an informed electorate, it is declared to be the public policy of this state that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them. Further, providing persons with such information is declared to be an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of officers and employees whose responsibility it is to provide such information. To that end, ss. 19.32 to 19.37 shall be construed in every instance with a presumption of complete public access, consistent with the conduct of governmental business. The denial of public access generally is contrary to the public interest, and only in an exceptional case may access be denied. (Emphasis Added)
Wis. Stat. §19.81 Declaration of policy.
(1) In recognition of the fact that a representative government of the American type is dependent upon an informed electorate, it is declared to be the policy of this state that the public is entitled to the fullest and most complete information regarding the affairs of government as is compatible with the conduct of governmental business.
(2) To implement and ensure the public policy herein expressed, all meetings of all state and local governmental bodies shall be publicly held in places reasonably accessible to members of the public and shall be open to all citizens at all times unless otherwise expressly provided by law. (Emphasis Added)
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