The Wisconsin State Senate has fast-tracked a bill that would irreparably harm government transparency. Senate Bill 55, which is now before the State Assembly, is intended to diminish the public’s access to information about government meetings and shackle independent journalism and citizen participation that are at the very core of American democracy.

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) has vigorously opposed the proposal, which would eliminate the long-standing requirement that local units of government publish vital information about public meetings.

According to the WNA, for mo...