HF1596

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes, section 13.43, subdivision 2, concerning the classification of government data related to investigations of certain Metropolitan Council personnel. The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Public Access to Personnel Data: Specifies which personnel data on government employees, volunteers, and independent contractors are public, including names, job titles, salaries, and disciplinary actions.

2. Disclosure of Investigative Information: Expands the definition of "public officials" to include specific high-ranking officials within the Metropolitan Council, such as the chair, regional administrator, general counsel, and division heads.

3. Public Release of Investigation Data:

   • Investigation data concerning public officials become public upon the completion of an investigation or if the official resigns or is terminated while an investigation is pending, unless releasing the data would jeopardize an active investigation or reveal confidential sources.
   • For certain Metropolitan Council personnel, such data are public only if the complaint leads to disciplinary action, resignation, or termination, or if legal claims related to the complaint are settled.

4. Protection of Confidentiality: The bill clarifies that this amendment does not override other legal provisions restricting the release of specific types of data.

In essence, the bill increases transparency regarding investigations into misconduct by senior Metropolitan Council officials while maintaining protections for active investigations and confidential sources.