SF4079

Purpose

This bill changes who can request copies of public information lists used in elections. It lets more people access these lists, aiming to increase transparency in election data while keeping limits on how the data can be used.

Main provisions

• The county auditors and the secretary of state must provide copies of the public information lists in electronic or other media.
• Eligible requestors are now:
  • Any voter registered in Minnesota, and
  • The national chair of a major political party.
• Copies must be provided within five business days after receiving a complete written or electronic request, and after the requester pays the cost of reproduction.
• The same offices must also make a copy of the list available for public inspection without any cost.
• Anyone who inspects or obtains a copy must not use the information for purposes unrelated to elections, political activities, or law enforcement.

Changes to existing law

• Expands who may request and receive copies of the public information list from previous limits to include any registered voter and the national chair of a major political party.
• Keeps the requirement that copies be provided promptly (within five business days) and paid for by the requester.
• Maintains free public inspection access at the offices.

Access and timing details

• Copies supplied in electronic or other media.
• Five business days to fulfill a complete request.
• Public inspection of the list is available at no charge.
• Requests must be complete and accompanied by payment for reproduction costs.

Fees and use restrictions

• Reproduction costs must be paid to receive the copies.
• Information obtained from the list may only be used for elections, political activities, or law enforcement purposes; use for other purposes is prohibited.

Potential impact and considerations

• Increases public access and transparency by broadening who can obtain election data.
• May raise questions about privacy and how public data is used outside of elections, politics, or law enforcement.
• Aligns Minnesota’s data-access practices with open-records norms while trying to limit misuse of the data.

Relevant Terms public information list open records Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement section 201.091 subdivision 5 county auditors secretary of state voter / registered voter national chair major political party reproduction cost written or electronic request five business days public inspection data use restrictions elections political activities law enforcement