HF1596

HF1596 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Government data classification of investigative information pertaining to certain Metropolitan Council personnel modified.

AI Generated Summary

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file
1st Engrossment PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 25, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
March 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to	Elections Finance and Government Operations
March 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to	Elections Finance and Government Operations
March 31, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Committee report, to adopt
March 31, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Second reading

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Adds clarification on what constitutes public personnel data."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No explicit removals indicated."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies government data classification pertaining to Metropolitan Council personnel under section 13.43.",
      "modified": [
        "Changed data classification rules for certain public officials."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.43"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "None, as this is a cross-reference."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None, as this is a cross-reference."
      ],
      "summary": "References definition of buyout agreements in section 123B.143 subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "None, as this is a cross-reference."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "123B.143"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "None, as this is a cross-reference."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None, as this is a cross-reference."
      ],
      "summary": "References requirement for political subdivision to identify certain individuals under section 471.701.",
      "modified": [
        "None, as this is a cross-reference."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "471.701"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Identifies positions within the Metropolitan Council."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None, this is a clarification of existing roles."
      ],
      "summary": "Defines members of the Metropolitan Council appointed by the governor under section 473.123.",
      "modified": [
        "None, this is a clarification of existing roles."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.123"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "None, as this is a cross-reference."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None, as this is a cross-reference."
      ],
      "summary": "Refers to the appointment jurisdiction of the regional administrator by the Metropolitan Council under section 473.125.",
      "modified": [
        "None, as this is a cross-reference."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.125"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies appointment responsibility for law enforcement officer."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "None, this is a clarification of appointment procedures."
      ],
      "summary": "Relates to the appointment of the chief law enforcement officer of the Metropolitan Transit Police under section 473.407.",
      "modified": [
        "None, this is a clarification of appointment procedures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.407"
  }
]