Wisconsin is a "Government in the Sunshine" state.  Our policy is to provide public access to information regarding the conduct of government business, the official acts and decisions state officers and employees, while preserving confidential information.

Public records are preserved for administrative, financial, legal and historical purposes. Retention of these records through their life cycle is governed by policies of the Public Records Board  under Chapter 16.61 Wis. Statutes and managed by approved agency Records Disposition Authorizations (RDAs) and statewide General Records Schedules. 

Implementation of this public policy involves a spectrum of state agencies.  While agencies generally hold onto their active public records, and most store inactive ones at the State Records Center, historical records of the state are archived by the Wisconsin Historical Society, the University Archives and the Department of Public Instruction.

Guidance on public meetings and open access to public records under Wisconsin Chapter 19 driven by the Office of the Attorney General.