Wisconsin bill changing access to court database opposed

From San Francisco Chronicle: MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The latest attempt to restrict public access to a popular online court records database is once again attracting opposition from media groups, landlords, the state court system and even the parents of the bill's sponsor.

But Rep. Evan Goyke, a Democrat from Milwaukee who is a former public defender in Milwaukee County, said Monday he will not be deterred by the tough road ahead, even though both his father and mother work for opponents of the bill.

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The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, a statewide group primarily consisting of media organizations that is dedicated to open government, plans to testify against it.

Removing some records while keeping others neuters the effectiveness of the database, increases the likelihood that a private company will offer the same information for a fee, and robs the public of the ability to monitor wrongful prosecutions and serial litigators, said Bill Lueders, president of the FOIC Council.

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The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council is a member of NFOIC. –eds

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