Library Records Bill Wins Swift Legislative Approval
(10/31/2007)

Madison—On October 31, both houses of the state legislature unanimously approved a measure that would aid law enforcement in investigating alleged criminal activity at public libraries. Introduced by Senator Mike Ellis and Representative Dean Kaufert, Senate Bill 214 will allow law enforcement officials to have access to library surveillance video tapes without having to first obtain a court order.

The two Neenah lawmakers drafted their legislation following an incident earlier this year at the Neenah Public Library when a patron was observed committing a lewd act. Although the library has a video surveillance system, police were unable to review the tapes before getting a court order because of a legal opinion that the tapes are library records and are covered under certain privacy laws.

“This legislation removes an unnecessary impediment to law enforcement while still preserving the privacy interests of library patrons,” Kaufert said. “The bill was narrowly drafted to limit unrestricted access only to the tapes that directly pertain to the suspected criminal activity.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding this measure is welcome to contact WPPA Assistant Executive Director Jim Palmer, either by telephone at 800.362.8838, or by e-mail at palmer@wppa.com.