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SF2062 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Definition of a "public official" in a city or a county modification

Related bill: HF1917

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.43, subdivision 2, regarding public data related to government employees. The key modification expands the definition of "public official" in cities and counties, thereby affecting the transparency of data related to complaints or charges against these officials.

Key Provisions:

  1. Expansion of the Definition of Public Officials

    • Includes executives and administrators of government entities.
    • Covers department heads in cities with populations over 7,500 and counties over 5,000.
    • Includes school district officials with administrative and supervisory roles.

  2. Public Disclosure of Complaints and Charges

    • Makes all data related to complaints or charges against public officials public after an investigation is completed or if the official resigns/terminates while an investigation is pending.
    • This is subject to exceptions where disclosure could jeopardize an active investigation or reveal confidential sources.

  3. Conditions for Public Disclosure of Complaints Against Certain Employees

    • Data on complaints or charges against lower administrative employees in cities, counties, and school districts become public only under these conditions:
      • The complaint results in disciplinary action.
      • The employee resigns or is terminated while the complaint is pending.
      • Legal claims arising from the complaint are settled.

  4. Limitations and Protection of Confidential Information

    • Ensures that data protected under other laws remain non-public.

Overall Impact:

This bill aims to enhance transparency in local and state government by making data on complaints and charges against certain public officials more accessible. However, it also ensures that information is protected when necessary to avoid compromising investigations or violating privacy laws.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 02, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass and re-referred toState and Local Government
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass and re-referred toState and Local Government
March 23, 2025HouseFloorActionComm report: To pass and re-referred toState and Local Government
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionWithdrawn
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionWithdrawn
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading
April 01, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Expands the definition of public officials and outlines specific categories of data that must be made public."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No explicit changes were noted in terms of removals from the section."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of public data concerning public officials under section 13.43.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies when data related to complaints or charges against public officials becomes public."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.43"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New requirement that agreements involving more than $10,000 of public money must include specific reasons for the agreement."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific elements were removed from this section."
      ],
      "summary": "References buyout agreements and the requirement for specific justifications in section 123B.143.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on the terms of buyout agreements and public money disclosures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "123B.143"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes a list of employees required to be identified by political subdivisions under certain conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No removed content noted for this section."
      ],
      "summary": "Reference to section 471.701 regarding identification of certain political subdivision employees.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the identification requirements for public officials in different population brackets."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "471.701"
  }
]

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