1997 WISCONSIN ACT 323
An Act to create 71.78 (1m), (2) and (3) and 71.83 (2) (a) 3m. of the statutes; relating to: prohibiting browsing of taxpayer information and providing a penalty.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
323,1
Section 1
. 71.78 (1m), (2) and (3) of the statutes are created to read:
71.78 (1m) Browsing prohibited. No person, except the person who filed the return or claim, may inspect a return or claim that is filed under this chapter unless that person does so in performing the duties of his or her position. Violation of this subsection by a state employe is grounds for dismissal.
(2) If any person is charged with a violation of sub. (1m), the secretary of revenue shall notify each taxpayer whose return or claim was improperly inspected by that person.
(3) Any person who is notified under sub. (2) may bring an action for damages in regard to the inspection.
323,2
Section 2
. 71.83 (2) (a) 3m. of the statutes is created to read:
71.83 (2) (a) 3m. `Browsing in records.' Any person who violates s. 71.78 (1m) shall upon conviction be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 or imprisoned for not less than one month nor more than 6 months or both.