Wisconsin Senate Bill SB789

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/8/23
• Refer: 12/8/23
• Report Pass: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/12/24
• Engrossed: 1/16/24
• Refer: 2/12/24
• Enrolled: 2/29/24
• Chaptered: 3/29/24
• Passed: 3/29/24

Caption

Fees for redacting certain records of law enforcement agencies. (FE)

Impact

The proposed legislation could significantly influence the interaction between the public and government agencies regarding access to public records. By formalizing the ability for law enforcement and corrections agencies to charge for redaction services, the bill may deter some public requests due to increased fees, especially where financial constraints are a concern. It may also prompt agencies to consider the use of technology in redaction processes to manage costs more effectively and handle requests efficiently.

Summary

Senate Bill 789 seeks to amend the statutes regarding the fees that law enforcement and corrections agencies may impose for redacting records disclosed in response to public records requests. The bill allows these agencies to charge requesters for the actual costs incurred in redacting recorded video content, which includes actions such as pixelization, to comply with relevant laws. This initiative is put forth with the intention of maintaining necessary transparency in governmental operations while imposing justifiable costs on requesters for services rendered.

Contention

While the bill appears to streamline the process for handling public records, potential points of contention include debates over the balance between transparency and the costs of accessing public information. Critics may argue that imposing fees on redaction services could hinder public access to vital records, particularly for individuals or organizations with limited financial resources. This dynamic could lead to discussions on the ethical implications of charging for public information and the rationale behind such fees, as transparency in law enforcement practices remains a critical public concern.