State Supreme Court Rules Against Citizens Seeking Public Records

Friday, July 8th, 2022 -- 8:01 AM

(Terry Bell, WRN) It could soon get more expensive to obtain public government information in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that people suing for public records can’t get back attorneys’ fees if they end up getting the documents they’re looking for, before a judge decides the case.

Bill Lueders of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council says the ruling is a “body blow” to efforts to keep an eye on what state and local governments are up to. Other transparency advocates say the ruling gives local governments an incentive to withhold public information.

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