Public Records Free Directory Blog

 Recently introduced Wisconsin State Assembly Bill 418  seeks to restrict online access to criminal records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website. This site is a search-able online database of court records.  The bills authors feel that this site has been misused to discriminate against people with criminal records.  Under this bill, access to the court site would be limited to court officials, “legitimate journalists” and individuals who formally request access from the state.  Opponents of the bill, including Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, state that this would limit Wisconsin’s policy of public access.  While there is bipartisan opposition to the bill and the bill seems unlikely to pass, the proponents hope to create more dialogue on the subject of privacy rights.