Minnesota Government Data Practices Act

Minnesota’s open records law is the Data Practices Act, and it governs public access to data held by government entities. The basic presumption is that everything should be public unless there is a specific federal or state rule that says otherwise.
Some tips for pursuing government data under the law:
• Make the request in writing, and say you’re requesting the information under the Minnesota Data Practices Act. However, an oral request is sufficient under the law.
• Be as specific as possible, but you can make broad requests if you’re not sure exactly what information is available.
• You can request copies of documents, although you may be charged a copying fee, or you can ask to inspect the documents in person.
• An overview of the Data Practices Act by the Minnesota House research department is available here.
• The text of the law is available here.
• The Information Policy Analysis Division answers questions and educates the public and governmental entities about the Data Practices Act and other information policy laws. Its Web site is here.
• Anyone wanting to challenge a denial of a request made under the Data Practices Act can request an advisory opinion from the Commissioner of Administration. A guide for making a request is available here.

Associated Press