Something about this just seems ridiculous to me:

The state Department of Transportation admitted Wednesday that it broke the open records law and agreed to pay a $500 forfeiture for delaying the release of a study on engineering costs.

In a proposed settlement that could end a suit filed by former Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager, DOT officials say they violated a requirement that they respond to requests for public records "as soon as practicable and without delay."

The proposed settlement has not yet been approved by Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess.

"This case emphasizes the importance and significance of the open records law," said Kevin St. John, spokesman for Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, who replaced Lautenschlager this month.

In 2005, Lautenschlager filed a civil complaint against state Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi, accusing him of "arbitrarily and capriciously" breaking the records law by withholding a report that said state engineers cost taxpayers 18% less than consultants.

So let me get this straight.  The state Department of Transportation is going to pay a fine (and a rather small one at that), where the money will go to... wait for it... a different state agency?  And this is supposed to penalize who now?

What am I missing here?