This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.43, subdivision 2, which governs public access to personnel data of government employees, volunteers, and independent contractors.

Key Changes in the Bill:

1. Definition Update for "Public Official":

   • Expands the definition to include more individuals within cities and counties, including:
     • Chief administrative officers of political subdivisions.
     • Certain managerial employees in cities (population over 7,500) and counties (population over 5,000).
     • School district personnel such as business managers, human resource directors, athletic directors (spending at least 50% of their time in administration), chief financial officers, superintendents, and principals.

2. Public Access to Complaint Data Against Public Officials:

   • Upon completion of an investigation or if the official resigns or is terminated while under investigation, complaint-related data becomes public unless:
     • It would jeopardize an active investigation,
     • It reveals confidential sources.

3. Limitations on Release of Data for Certain Employees:

   • Complaint-related data for newly included employees (like department heads in cities and counties) only becomes public if:
     • The complaint leads to disciplinary action,
     • The employee resigns or is terminated during the investigation,
     • Legal claims arising from the complaint are settled.

Overall Impact:

The bill increases transparency by expanding the definition of "public official" and making more government personnel subject to public scrutiny when facing complaints or disciplinary actions. However, it maintains certain confidentiality protections for active investigations and sensitive sources.