Hearing set on bill on public records charges

Open records holders could charge for deleting information

MADISON, Wis. — It could become more expensive to get public records from government entities under a bill up for public hearing on Wednesday.

The Republican-backed proposal would allow the holders of public records to charge those requesting the documents for time spent deleting confidential information.

Open records advocates oppose the measure, saying it will make it more difficult to obtain public information from the government. But supporters say taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for the work involved with compiling the records.

The proposal by Rep. Garey Bies comes after the state Supreme Court last year prohibited record custodians from charging requestors for redaction expenses.

Wednesday’s hearing is before the Assembly Committee on Government Operations and State Licensing.