State senator tries to block open records lawsuit

Republican state Sen. Vukmir argues she's immune from open records lawsuit

MADISON, Wis. — A Republican state senator is arguing that she can’t be sued while the Legislature is in session in order to avoid turning over public records.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday that state Sen. Leah Vukmir is using that argument to avoid an open records lawsuit filed by the liberal Center for Media and Democracy.

The center sued Vukmir in June contended that she had violated the open records law by not turning over records related to her involvement with the American Legislative Exchange Council.

On Wednesday, the attorney general’s office filed a motion on behalf of Vukmir arguing she is immune from the lawsuit.

Brendan Fischer, the attorney for the center suing Vukmir, says her position has the potential to undermine the open records law.