SF4412

Purpose

The bill aims to protect the residential addresses of elected officials and candidates by changing how those addresses can be disclosed. It requires that access to residential addresses, even if they are public data, be provided only in response to a written request.

Key elements of the bill

• Adds a new subdivision (Subd. 4) to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.601 titled “Residential addresses.”
• Applies to the residential addresses of an elected official or a candidate for elected office.
• If a residential address is classified as public data under this chapter or another state law, a responsible authority may only provide the residential address upon written request.
• The measure sits within the broader context of data practices and how public data is accessed and disclosed.

How it changes the law

• Introduces a procedural requirement (written request) for accessing residential addresses that are publicly accessible data.
• Narrows the circumstances under which someone can obtain a residential address, shifting from potentially informal or nonwritten disclosures to a formal written-request process.
• Applies to both current elected officials and those seeking elected office.

Practical impact

• People seeking to obtain a residential address for an official or candidate will need to submit a written request to the appropriate government authority.
• Public data remains accessible, but the disclosure is conditioned on a written request, which can add time and administrative steps.
• The change is intended to enhance privacy and safety for officials and candidates by creating a standardized disclosure process.

Definitions and scope notes

• Key terms include: residential addresses, public data, data practices, written request, responsible authority, elected official, candidate for elected office, and Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.601.
• The provision operates within the broader framework of data practices laws governing public data in Minnesota.

Relevant Terms - residential addresses - public data - data practices - written request - responsible authority - elected official - candidate for elected office - Minnesota Statutes 2024 - section 13.601 - subdivision 4 - access disclosure