WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 4079

Public information list request expansion provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Koran

Bill expands Minnesota citizens' ability to request access to government-maintained public information lists and databases, increasing transparency but raising privacy and administrative concerns.

Referred to Elections
#datapracticesandprivacy #elections #government-state
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 4079

Legislative bill overview

SF 4079 expands Minnesota's public information list request provisions, allowing broader access to certain government-maintained lists or databases. The bill modifies existing statutes governing what information citizens and organizations can request from public agencies. Specific details on which lists are affected and what new access rights are created would require reviewing the full bill text.

Why is this important

Public information access directly affects government transparency and accountability. Expanding list requests could benefit journalists, researchers, advocacy groups, and citizens seeking to understand government operations and decision-making. Conversely, broader access to certain lists raises questions about privacy protections, data security, and potential misuse of personal information contained in those databases.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Expansion of list access could expose personal information (addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth) of individuals whose data is held by government agencies, raising privacy and security risks
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's scope depends heavily on how "public information lists" are defined—unclear definitions could lead to disputes over what must be disclosed
  • Implementation costs: Agencies may face significant administrative burden and costs to fulfill expanded requests, potentially straining limited resources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.