Under Wisconsin law, the presumption is that any government record is open for public inspection. Access to records may be denied if there is a specific statute authorizing non-disclosure or if the custodian of the records determines after performing a balancing test that the public’s right to know is outweighed by the public benefit to confidentiality. If a request for records is made, that request will be responded to as soon as practicable and without delay. If access is denied, the response will give specific reasons for the denial. An individual denied access can commence a court action to compel disclosure.

The Wisconsin Attorney Generals’ Office website includes Compliance Guides, presentations, applicable opinions regarding Public Records and Open Meetings law and other resources.

Records Requests

To request a record from a county department, please complete the request form on our public records portal.