This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 13.82, Subdivision 7, concerning the classification of criminal investigative data. The key changes include:

1. Shortened Timeframe for Inactive Status: The bill reduces the time for an investigation to become inactive from 30 years to 20 years after the commission of the offense or upon expiration of the statute of limitations, whichever comes first.

2. Classification of Investigative Data: Investigative data remains confidential or protected nonpublic while an investigation is active. Once inactive, the data becomes public unless its release would:

   • Jeopardize an ongoing investigation.
   • Reveal the identity of protected individuals.
   • Contain offensive images or recordings, which remain classified as private or nonpublic (but their existence must be disclosed upon request).

3. Reactivation of an Investigation: Data classified as inactive may become active again if the law enforcement agency or prosecutorial authority decides to renew the investigation.

4. Court-Ordered Data Disclosure: While an investigation is still active, individuals may petition a district court for disclosure of investigative data. The court must weigh the benefit to the petitioner or public interest against potential harm before ordering disclosure.

5. Public Access to Evidence: Any investigative data used as evidence in court becomes public.

Overall, the bill primarily seeks to shorten the period for transitioning investigative data to public status while maintaining provisions to protect sensitive information.