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HF 1836

State government; changes made to data practices.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Bahner and 2 co-sponsors

The bill modernizes and tightens Minnesota’s data practices across agencies to improve privacy protections, governance, and interagency data sharing while clarifying access and acc

Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to State Government Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 1836

Summary of HF 1836 (Minnesota) – State Government; Changes Made to Data Practices

Overview

HF 1836 is a Minnesota bill proposed in the 2025-2026 session that focuses on reforms to data practices within state government. The measure is intended to modify how state agencies collect, maintain, share, and protect data, with an emphasis on efficiency, transparency, and privacy alignment with data protection laws. The bill has been sponsored by multiple lawmakers (including co-sponsors Ginny Klevorn, Mike Howard, and Kristin Bahner) and has progressed through committee stages, with a reported committee action to adopt as amended and re-refer to State Government Finance and Policy.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Modernize and clarify data practices across state agencies.
  • Improve data governance, access controls, and privacy protections.
  • Streamline procedures for data requests and public access while ensuring compliance with applicable data privacy laws.
  • Clarify responsibilities among state agencies for data stewardship and interagency data sharing.

Key Provisions and Changes (Illustrative; details may vary with the bill as amended)

Note: The specific text of HF 1836 is not provided here; the summary reflects typical elements such bills address. If you have access to the bill language, please share for a precise itemized list.

  • Data Practices Act Alignments:
    • Revisions to definitions related to personal data, data subjects, and custodians.
    • Updates to exemptions from disclosure, balancing transparency with privacy safeguards.
  • Data Access and Collection:
    • Streamlined processes for state employees and contractors to access required data for legitimate governmental purposes.
    • Clarifications on minimum data collection requirements and retention periods.
  • Privacy and Protections:
    • Strengthened privacy safeguards for sensitive data (e.g., health, education, security-related information).
    • Enhanced data security standards for state systems and contractor-managed data.
  • Interagency Data Sharing:
    • Clearer rules governing sharing of data between state agencies, with accountability measures and audit requirements.
    • Conditions under which data can be shared with third parties, vendors, or research entities.
  • Data Governance and Accountability:
    • Establishment or reinforcement of data governance roles (e.g., chief data officer or equivalent responsibilities) within state government.
    • Regular reporting requirements to the Legislature on data practices, compliance, and incidents.
  • Public Access and Redress:
    • Procedures for appealing or challenging data denial decisions.
    • Clarifications on the timeline for responding to data requests and potential fee structures.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Minnesota state agencies and departments that manage public data and records.
  • State employees, contractors, and vendors who handle state data.
  • Data subjects whose personal information may be included in state data systems (with privacy protections enhanced where applicable).
  • Public and private researchers and third-party entities granted data access under statutory exemptions.
  • The Legislature, via reporting requirements and oversight provisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: March 3, 2025, with referral to Judiciary Finance and Civil Law (as initially noted).
  • Committee Action: March 24, 2025, with a motion to adopt as amended and re-refer to State Government Finance and Policy.
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move through additional committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor votes in the House, and then onward to the Senate, subject to the legislative schedule and negotiations.
  • Implementation Timeline: Any new data practices provisions typically include effective dates for different sections (e.g., immediate effect for some provisions, phased or staged implementation for others). Specific dates would be defined in the bill text.

Potential Impacts

  • Increased clarity and consistency in how data is handled across state agencies.
  • Enhanced protection of personal and sensitive information.
  • Improved efficiency in data requests and interagency data sharing, subject to privacy constraints.
  • Greater transparency and accountability through governance structures and regular reporting.
  • Possible incremental costs related to compliance, training, and system updates for agencies and contractors.

If you can provide the exact text or a more detailed summary of HF 1836, I can refine this into a precise, section-by-section breakdown with exact provisions, dates, and statutory cross-references.

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

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