This bill, H.F. No. 1917, proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 13.43, Subdivision 2, to modify the definition of public officials for data practices purposes in cities and counties.

Key Provisions:

1. Expanded Public Data Access

   • The bill clarifies which personnel data of government employees, volunteers, and independent contractors are public (e.g., salary, job title, disciplinary actions, complaints, and agreements relating to employment disputes).

2. Definition of a Public Official

   • The definition now explicitly includes specific city and county officials as public officials, making their disciplinary-related data subject to public disclosure.
     
   • This includes:
     • Heads, deputies, and assistants of state agencies.
     • Members of boards or commissions required to be appointed by the governor or other elected officials.
     • Executive and administrative heads of departments, bureaus, or divisions in state government.
     • City and county officials such as:
     • Chief administrative officers of political subdivisions.
     • Individuals designated by a political subdivision under law.
     • Managers, chiefs, department heads, and directors in cities over 7,500 population or counties over 5,000 population.
     • School district officials, including business managers, HR directors, athletic directors (with at least 50% administrative duties), CFOs, superintendents, and principals.

3. Public Disclosure of Complaints Against Public Officials

   • Once an investigation of a complaint or charge against a public official is complete—or if the official resigns or is terminated during the process—all related data becomes public, unless its release would:
     • Jeopardize an active investigation.
     • Reveal confidential sources.
   • Certain complaint data for local officials (e.g., city/county department heads and school officials) only becomes public if:
     • The official faces disciplinary action.
     • The official resigns or is fired while the complaint is pending.
     • Legal claims arising from the complaint are settled.

Purpose of the Bill:

• This bill enhances transparency in city and county government by ensuring that disciplinary records and complaints against certain public officials are more accessible to the public.
• It establishes a clearer definition of which officials fall under public scrutiny in local government settings.

This bill was introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law for further consideration.