The state GOP now requires members of its executive committee to sign nondisclosure agreements that bar them from detailing discussions in closed session, along with “personnel matters, internal complaints” and other topics.

The move came amid criticism of state party Chair Brian Schimming over the GOP’s fundraising and performance in spring races. Two committee members cited the agreements Monday in declining to discuss with WisPolitics this weekend’s meeting, which followed calls for Schimming’s removal as chair after conservative Maria Lazar lost the state Supreme Court race earlier this month by 20 points.

Bob Spindell, a member of the executive committee as chair of the 4th CD GOP, said those on the body shouldn’t discuss closed session, period. He said the agreements formalize that.

“They thought some uncomplimentary stuff might’ve been talked about during the closed session was being leaked. They wanted to try to stop that,” Spindell said of the nondisclosure agreements.

Following the April 7 election, state and national media reported on renewed criticism of Schimming, the state’s first paid party chair in memory.

On Friday, Brett Galaszewski, an executive committee member and national enterprise director for Turning Point Action, posted on social media that he was heading back to Wisconsin for this weekend’s meeting.

“Make no mistake, a 300k vote loss in a statewide race is unacceptable,” he wrote. “I’m looking forward to having those conversations tomorrow about what needs to happen next. There’s no option off the table.”

Late Saturday afternoon, he followed up with another post, “Very soon, some state GOP chairs that feel pressure from their own boards that hold them accountable on metrics and fundraising may start taking out their frustration on actual conservatives in retaliation for the status quo being questioned.” He suggested it could include “clipping resources” and “Freedom Caucus guys like Tom Tiffany and Mike Alfonzo could be early targets,” misspelling the 7th CD GOP candidate’s last name.

Dean Neubert, a member of the committee as the 8th CD GOP vice-chair, declined comment on the meeting other than to say Schimming is still chair.

The party a year ago created a code of conduct to allow the removal of local party officials, members of the executive committee or staff for actions such as sexually, verbally or physically harassing fellow Republicans.

A party spokesperson told WisPolitics Monday the nondisclosure agreements were added to the bylaws in December.

They cover strategic planning, financial reports and polling data, among other things. The new bylaw also covers “information explicitly designated as confidential” by the chair or the executive committee.

Breaking the nondisclosure agreement, which survives an individual’s tenure in leadership, is considered a violation of the Code of Conduct, subjecting the person to removal proceedings.

Asked about his standing with the party, Schimming told WisPolitics in a statement, “I look forward to working with our Executive Committee, County Parties, and volunteers across the state and building our movement to advance victories in November. With 27 weeks until the election, we are eager to support our candidates for Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer and keep Congressmen Van Orden’s and Steil’s Congressional seats.”