SF3081

Purpose of the Bill

The main purpose of this legislation is to extend privacy protections for the personal information of peace officers, similar to those already afforded to judicial officials.

Main Provisions

• Privacy of Personal Information: The bill proposes that personal information about peace officers collected or held by government entities be classified as private data. This means it is not publicly accessible in the same way as other types of government data.
• Notification Requirement: To access remedies and penalties for a breach, the peace officer or judicial official—or their adult child, if applicable—must inform the responsible authority in writing using a specific form provided by the Minnesota judicial branch. This form confirms they are entitled to protection.
• Data on Adult Children: The protections can extend to an adult child of a judicial official or peace officer, provided they file the required notification, even if they live separately from the official or officer.
• Expiration and Renewal: A notification submitted for protection of data remains valid for five years and can be renewed to maintain its effect.
• Exemptions: Certain types of records, such as real property records, Uniform Commercial Code filings, and tax liens, are exempt from these privacy protections as they are publicly accessible.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Inclusion of Peace Officers: Currently, privacy protections for personal information apply to judicial officials. This bill proposes extending the same privacy protections to peace officers, thereby amending existing statutes to cover a broader range of individuals involved in the justice and law enforcement sector.

Relevant Terms

• Peace officer
• Judicial official
• Private data
• Government entity
• Personal information
• Privacy protections