2016
New Supreme Court Rules on protection of information in circuit court records
Madison, Wisconsin - July 7, 2016
Beginning July 1, 2016, three new court rules apply to documents filed with Wisconsin circuit courts. These rules establish procedures for submission of confidential information, and sealing and redaction of court records.
Filers are required by new Wis. Stat. § 801.19 to protect the following personal identifiers when filing with the circuit courts:
- social security numbers
- employer and tax identification numbers
- financial account numbers (bank accounts, credit cards, passwords, and PINs)
- driver license and state identification numbers
- passport numbers
Filers must also bring certain confidential documents and cases to the clerk's attention, as required by new Wis. Stat. 801.20. These documents and cases are identified on the Cover Sheet for Confidential Records, form GF-244.
Finally, new Wis. Stat. § 801.21 provides procedures for motions to seal. If a document is not protected by the other two rules, a filer who wishes to restrict public access must file a motion to seal.
Links to the rules, forms and frequently asked questions can be found here.