What constitutes a “meeting”?

Q: What constitutes a “meeting”? A: If one-half or more members (that is, a quorum) are present then there is a rebuttable presumption that the members are conducting business and, thus, a meeting is taking place. Sec. 19.82(2), Stats. The presumption can be overcome, however, with evidence that the members did not discuss or act […]

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The meeting notice includes a discussion of “miscellaneous” items. Does that notice comply with the Open Meetings Law?

Q: The meeting notice includes a discussion of “miscellaneous” items. Does that notice comply with the Open Meetings Law? A: The statutory standard for noticing a meeting requires that the subject matter be set forth “in such a form as is reasonably likely to apprise members of the public and the news media thereof.” Sec. […]

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When is a corporation/organization a “quasi-governmental corporation” subject to the Open Meetings Law?

Q: When is a corporation/organization a “quasi-governmental corporation” subject to the Open Meetings Law? A: The Open Meetings Law applies only to governmental bodies as defined by section 19.82(1), Stats., and includes governmental and quasi-governmental corporations. In addition to the statutory definition, the DOJ’s Compliance Guide includes a helpful listing of some specific “governmental bodies” […]

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Can I make an open records request for police records, such as daily arrest records or records involving an investigation? What about a district attorney’s investigative files?

Q: Can I make an open records request for police records, such as daily arrest records or records involving an investigation? What about a district attorney’s investigative files? A: Police records are presumed public and, like all records, their release is subject to the common law balancing test. In many cases, the police department withholds […]

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Is the subject of the record always entitled to notice of the open records request under section 19.356, Stats.? If the record subject is entitled to notice, then how long will it take to get the record?

Q: Is the subject of the record always entitled to notice of the open records request under section 19.356, Stats.? If the record subject is entitled to notice, then how long will it take to get the record? A: No, the subject of a public record is entitled to notice of a request only in […]

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Are public employee personnel records open to the public?

Q: Are public employee personnel records open to the public? A: While the public is restricted from accessing certain types of personal information, other personnel records are presumptively open to the public. By statute, an employee’s social security number, private home address or telephone number; information relating to a pending investigation of a possible criminal […]

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