HF986

This bill focuses on managing how voter registration data is handled in Minnesota, particularly detailing what information is public or private, and how it can be accessed and used. Here are the key points and changes proposed in the bill:

1. Classification of Data:

   • Public Data: General voter data like name, address, year of birth, and voting history are public.
   • Private Data: Sensitive information like dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, ID card numbers, military ID numbers, passport numbers, and Social Security numbers are classified as private.

2. Protection for Voters:

   • Voters can request their names be withheld from public lists for safety reasons, making their information private.
   • Data related to the political party chosen in a presidential primary is private but can be shared with major political party leaders.

3. Use Restrictions:

   • Public voter data must not be used for purposes unrelated to elections, political activities, or law enforcement.
   • It is illegal to publish this data on the internet or sell it. The information can only be used for election-related activities within the acquiring organization and must not be misused.

4. Access Control:

   • Anyone requesting access to public voter lists must provide a written statement confirming the data won’t be used for non-approved purposes.

5. Repeals:

   • Some previous statutes concerning how voter registration data can be used and published are repealed to streamline data privacy controls.

This legislation aims to safeguard voter privacy while maintaining necessary transparency and use for election-related activities, striking a balance between public information needs and individual data protection.