HF3588

Purpose

• To expand who can obtain copies of public information lists related to voters and to set access and cost-related requirements for providing those lists.

Main Provisions

• County auditors and the secretary of state must provide copies of public information lists in electronic or other media to:
  • any voter registered in Minnesota, and
  • the national chair of a major political party within five business days of receiving a complete written or electronic request accompanied by payment of the cost of reproduction.
• The public information list must also be available for public inspection at no cost.
• People who inspect or obtain a copy of a public information list may not use the information for purposes unrelated to elections, political activities, or law enforcement.

Expansion of Eligible Requesters (Significant Change)

• The bill broadens who can request and receive copies of public information lists to include all registered voters in Minnesota and the national chair of a major political party, which expands beyond previous limits.

Access, Delivery, and Costs (Key Details)

• Delivery medium: electronic or other media.
• Timeframe: within five business days after a complete written or electronic request and payment.
• Cost: requester must pay the cost of reproduction; however, public inspection of the list is free.
• Use restrictions: information may only be used for elections, political activities, or law enforcement; cannot be used for unrelated purposes.

Use and Privacy Considerations

• The bill preserves a public inspection option at no cost, but imposes strict limitations on how the information can be used, aiming to balance transparency with privacy and misuse prevention.

Relevant Terms - public information lists - county auditors - secretary of state - five business days - complete written or electronic request - payment of the cost of reproduction - voter registered in Minnesota - national chair of a major political party - public inspection - use for purposes related to elections - political activities - law enforcement - Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement section 201.091 subdivision 5