- Home
- Legal
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Governing Bodies
- Open Meetings Law
- Open Meetings Law FAQ 9
Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
If a member discloses confidential information obtained during a closed session, it is not a violation of the open meetings law. However, such behavior is understandably a matter of concern for governmental bodies and governing bodies can prohibit and establish consequences for such behavior. Some municipalities have local rules or ordinances which prohibit the use or disclosure of confidential information by municipal officials. Possible penalties include a fine or public censure. Where such behavior is clearly prohibited, other potential consequences for violating these local restrictions is criminal prosecution under Wis. Stat. sec. 946.12 for misconduct in public office or removal from office under chapter 17 of the Wisconsin Statutes for official misconduct (see secs. 17.12 and 17.13.