HF2127

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance data privacy for judicial officials in Minnesota. It specifically seeks to classify certain real property records of these officials as private data, limiting public access to this information. Furthermore, the bill introduces criminal penalties for violations of these privacy protections.

Main Provisions

• Private Data Classification: Personal information of judicial officials related to real property records will be classified as private data. This means that unauthorized access to this information will be restricted.
• Notification Requirement: Judicial officials must notify the responsible authority, using a form from the Minnesota judicial branch, to ensure their information is protected by this law. This protection also extends to adult children not living with the judicial official, provided they notify the authority.
• Duration of Protection: The protection under this bill will last for five years from the date of filing the notice, unless renewed before expiration.
• Exclusions: The bill does not apply to some records such as real property records, Uniform Commercial Code filings, tax liens, and other records that show title or encumbrances on property, which are governed by other statutes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amendment to Existing Statutes: The bill proposes changes to Minnesota Statutes sections 13.991, 480.40, 480.45, and 609.63. These changes focus on distinguishing judicial officers' personal information as private data.
• Criminal Penalties: Introduces criminal penalties for any violations concerning the misuse of judicial officials' private data as defined in the statutes.

Relevant Terms

• Data Privacy
• Judicial Officials
• Personal Information
• Real Property Records
• Uniform Commercial Code
• Tax Liens
• Private Data
• Criminal Penalties