Third Branch eNews

Judicial officers in Wisconsin now have a new way to protect their personal information from public disclosure, thanks to 2023 Wisconsin Act 235. The recently enacted legislation allows judges and court commissioners—both current and retired—to take proactive steps to keep their sensitive information, including home addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, from being publicly accessible.

Who is eligible?

The law applies to a wide range of judicial officers, including Supreme Court justices, Court of Appeals and Circuit Court judges, Municipal and Tribal judges, reserve judges, and court commissioners. The protections extend also to their immediate family members.

How does it work?

Act 235 creates a straightforward process for judicial officers to request that their personal information be shielded from public records. By submitting a written request, they can require government agencies, businesses, data brokers, and other entities to remove or restrict access to specific details. Under the law, organizations must comply with these requests within 10 business days, ensuring a prompt response to privacy concerns.

Why does this matter?

By limiting access to their personal information, Act 235 provides an additional layer of security, helping to mitigate risks that may arise from public exposure. The law is part of a broader effort by the Wisconsin Court System to protect those who serve in the judiciary.

How to get started

Judicial officers who wish to take advantage of these new protections can follow a few simple steps:

• Review the Act 235 overview and determine which information you want protected.
• Download the required forms and instructions from Courtnet
• Submit the forms to the appropriate agencies.

For additional guidance, judicial officers can refer to our Frequently Asked Questions document here. If you have any questions, please contact the Director of State Courts Office at Security.Forms@WIcourts.gov.