SF2568

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to improve the accessibility of court records for private attorneys in Minnesota by amending existing regulations related to electronic access to these documents.

Main Provisions

• Access for Attorneys: The bill allows attorneys who are admitted and licensed to practice law in Minnesota to apply for an account that provides them access to electronic court records and documents stored within the Minnesota Court Information System. This specifically pertains to cases in the state district courts.

• Cost Implications: The bill distinguishes between attorneys employed by government agencies or civil legal services and private attorneys. Government-employed attorneys and those working in civil legal services will have the ability to view and print these court documents without incurring any cost. However, private attorneys will be required to pay a fee, determined by the judicial branch, to access and print these documents.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends the existing Minnesota Statutes section 484.94. Previously, access to electronic court records might not have differentiated between private and government attorneys or may not have specified a fee structure for private attorney access. This bill explicitly establishes a framework wherein private attorneys are charged for access, while attorneys associated with government agencies or civil legal services have fee-free access.

Relevant Terms

Minnesota Government Access, electronic court records, Minnesota Court Information System, private attorneys, government agency attorneys, civil legal services, court documents access fee.