Statement on video redactions bill SB 789

Dear Council members and supporters, Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council President Bill Lueders is calling on Gov. Tony Evers to veto a bill that has overwhelmingly passed both houses of the state legislature. The bill, SB 789, would make those who request video footage from law enforcement and corrections agencies pay for the cost of […]

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Opee Award Nominations Sought

Dear Council members and supporters: The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, a nonprofit, nonpartisan group that works to protect access to public meetings and records, is now accepting nominations for its annual Openness in Government Awards, or Opees. Awards are given in six categories: Popee (public openness award): Recognizes extraordinary service to the cause of […]

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July: Record delays are contrary to the law

In early April, I requested some records from the Madison Police Department regarding what it said was the sole disciplinary action taken against an MPD officer or employee in the first three months of this year. It was an exceedingly minor matter — a sergeant who got a one-day suspension for sending an “unprofessional email […]

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March: Opees awards honor and chastise

For the 17th consecutive year, the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council has named its annual Openness in Government Awards, or Opees, in honor of national Sunshine Week, March 12-18.  Five winners and one loser were selected from among an uncommonly large number of nominations. And the Opees go to: Public Openness Award (“Popee”): Jim O’Keefe. […]

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