The Office of Open Government (OOG) is responsible for interpreting and applying Wisconsin's Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law. These two laws help to make Wisconsin's government, at the state and local levels, open and accountable to the public. In other words, they help to safeguard government transparency.
Vision
Openness and accountability are fundamental to representative government. Wisconsin citizens have a right to know how their government is spending their tax dollars and exercising the powers granted by the people. Wisconsin has a proud tradition of open government, and Wisconsin’s sunshine laws, the open meetings law and the public records law, help to safeguard government transparency. The Office of Open Government (OOG) works to ensure that the Department of Justice (DOJ) preserves this tradition within DOJ and throughout Wisconsin.
Mission
The OOG works to maintain transparency not only within DOJ but throughout state and local government. The attorney general is accorded special significance in interpreting the open meetings law and the public records law. The attorney general’s formal opinions and informal correspondence provide guidance to government authorities and the public throughout the state.
The OOG interprets and applies the open meetings law and public records law as well other open government statutes and rules; manages the public records request process for DOJ; provides legal counsel to DOJ and its clients; develops open government policies; responds to open government-related inquiries from the public about open government laws; reviews citizen complaints alleging violations of the law; and trains and educates individuals and entities throughout the state on open government compliance.
Responsibilities
Processes public records requests submitted to DOJ
Answers questions from the public about the public records and open meetings laws
Provides information and training on both laws
Reviews and responds to correspondence from citizens concerned about open government issues
Manages the Public Records-Open Meetings (PROM) help line
Publishes compliance guides for the open meetings law and public records law and other open government resources
Develops open government policies
Renders legal counsel on open government issues to DOJ and, by request, to the governor, legislature, other state agencies, and district attorneys.
Leadership
Paul Ferguson
Director
Office of Open Government