The article discusses the importance of open government and the public's right to know. It is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, which is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to this cause. Jacob Resneck, an investigative reporter with Wisconsin Watch, contributes to the column. The article also invites readers to share their opinions on the topic by sending letters to the editor, providing specific instructions on how to do so, including word limit and verification details.

The article discusses three police shootings in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, in 2023, including one fatal incident. Despite the officers being cleared of wrongdoing, their identities have not been disclosed, with officials citing undercover work, credible threats, and Marsy's Law, which enhances crime victims' rights. The article mentions the withholding of names in other Wisconsin cases and similar practices in Florida and Ohio. It also covers the challenges and costs associated with obtaining police bodycam footage due to proposed legislation. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's guidance on Marsy's Law is criticized for being insufficient, and the article calls for public and press advocacy for police accountability and transparency.

The article discusses the implications of Marsy's Law in Wisconsin, particularly how it affects the transparency of law enforcement. The law, which was passed to protect victims' privacy rights, has led to the withholding of police officers' names in shooting incidents. The article cites several cases where officers' identities were not disclosed, contrasting them with instances where they were. It explores the tension between the public's right to know and the privacy rights of victims, including police officers. The law has bipartisan support but has faced criticism for its impact on defendants' rights and public transparency. Legal experts and civil rights groups have expressed concerns about the broad application of the law and the challenges it poses to the criminal justice system. The article also touches on the history of Marsy's Law and its national implementation, funded by tech billionaire Henry Nicholas III in memory of his sister Marsy.

A Wisconsin Watch investigation revealed that a female police recruit from the Grand Chute Police Department was forced to resign after reporting a sexual assault by two male law enforcement academy classmates. The incident occurred in March 2022, involving heavy drinking and ending at a hotel. Despite DNA evidence confirming sexual activity, the department decided against criminal charges and forced the woman's resignation within five days. Wisconsin lacks rules for involving outside agencies in such cases, potentially leading to conflicts of interest. Marsy’s Law was cited by the department to withhold details, a practice seen in other Wisconsin police departments. The Fox Valley Technical College found the woman's account credible, resulting in the suspension of the two men from the academy and the loss of their jobs. The article highlights the challenges in prosecuting sexual assaults, especially when alcohol is involved and the victim and perpetrators know each other.

The article discusses the implications of Marsy's Law, a constitutional amendment passed in Wisconsin in 2020 to protect victims' privacy rights, on law enforcement transparency. It highlights instances where police officers' identities were withheld from the public after shootings, citing their status as victims under Marsy's Law. The article contrasts different approaches by district attorneys in releasing officers' names and explores the national trend of withholding such information. Civil liberties advocates argue that this practice erodes police accountability, while supporters of the law emphasize victim protection. The article also touches on the financial backing of Marsy's Law by tech billionaire Henry Nicholas III and the ongoing legal challenges to the law's implementation. It suggests that the law's broad application has created complexities and inconsistencies in the criminal justice system, with some officials interpreting the law to shield police officers from public scrutiny.

A Sheboygan police recruit, previously flagged as a suspected gang member, resigned following an accusation of sexual assault by a female recruit from Grand Chute. The male recruit was not charged, and the female recruit was dismissed from her job shortly after the allegation due to an unrelated disciplinary investigation. Wisconsin Watch, which reported on a culture of sexual harassment within the Sheboygan Police Department, uncovered the assault case during their investigation. The Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission, responsible for hiring, was unaware of the recruit's suspected gang ties, which were not disclosed by senior officers. The gang flag was removed from the department database after the recruit's hiring. The Sheboygan Police Chief stated that disclosing the gang flags would have been improper. The case raises questions about the effectiveness and potential racial bias of gang affiliation flags.

A bipartisan bill in Wisconsin aims to centralize campaign finance reports for local elected officials with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, simplifying the process for candidates and local clerks. While the bill has support from municipal associations and has advanced in the Senate, it faces opposition from some Democrats who argue it is overly burdensome for low-spending races. The bill's future in the Assembly remains uncertain as it has stalled in committee.

A bipartisan bill in Wisconsin aims to centralize campaign finance filings with the state to ease the burden on local clerks and improve transparency. The bill, supported by municipal associations, would require local campaign committees to file reports with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. While there is no registered opposition, some lawmakers argue it could be burdensome for low-spending candidates. The bill's progress is uncertain, as it has stalled in the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections.

A bipartisan bill in Wisconsin aims to allow minors sentenced to long prison terms to apply for early release after 15 to 20 years and end life-without-parole sentences for minors. Despite previous failures to advance, the bill will receive its first public hearing this week. The proposal could affect around 430 inmates, with more than half already having served at least 14 years. The bill has both Democratic and Republican support, though Democratic Governor Tony Evers has not stated a position. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that life sentences without parole for minors are unconstitutional, yet Wisconsin still allows this practice.

Outagamie Circuit Court Judge Mark McGinnis is under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice for jailing contractor Tyler Barth over a financial dispute with a courthouse employee. McGinnis ordered Barth to repay thousands of dollars within minutes or face jail time, which legal experts argue exceeds a judge's lawful authority. The case highlights the limited oversight of Wisconsin judges and the broad legal immunity they enjoy. McGinnis has a history of controversial practices and has faced no public consequences for his actions. Barth was released from jail after hiring attorney Kirk Everson, who challenged the legal basis for his incarceration. The financial dispute was eventually settled, but the case against McGinnis remains unresolved, with no indication of whether charges will be filed.