Public Records FAQ 6

Must a records custodian comply with a public records request when the requester requests not only that the custodian provide current records of a certain type but also requests that the custodian provide the requester with copies of all similar records that are created in the future?

The records custodian must provide a requester with records that currently exist, assuming that the records are not statutorily exempt or that the balancing test does not indicate that the records in question should be withheld. However, the custodian does not have to comply with an ongoing request for certain types of records. The custodian can deny the request for future records of that type on the grounds that those records do not currently exist, and on the ground that that part of the request is deemed not reasonably limited with regard to its length of time as required by sec. 19.35(1)(h) of the Wisconsin statutes.