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SF649 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Data classification in the statewide voter registration system

Related bill: HF986

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 649 is a bill introduced in Minnesota that aims to change how voter information is managed and protected in the statewide voter registration system. Here are the key points of this bill, simplified:

  1. Data Privacy and Accessibility:

    • Most data in the statewide voter registration system is considered public, including names, addresses, and voting histories.
    • However, certain personal information such as voters' birth dates, driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive identifying details are classified as private.

  2. Protection of Private Information:

    • Information about voters' party choices during presidential primary elections is private.
    • Voters can request for their names to be withheld from public lists if they believe that revealing their identity could endanger their safety or that of their family.

  3. Usage Restrictions:

    • Individuals or entities accessing this voter data must declare in writing that the data will not be used for non-electoral, non-political, or non-law enforcement purposes.
    • The data cannot be posted online or sold, and it should only be used for elections, political activities, or law enforcement inquiries.

  4. Handling and Distribution:

    • The secretary of state must provide political parties with information on voters who chose their party during the presidential primaries, maintaining voter privacy in other respects.
    • Rules are established for how public information lists should be handled, ensuring no modifications or improper use.

  5. Repeals:

    • The bill also proposes the repeal of certain subdivisions related to the voter registration system that may be outdated or redundant due to this update.

Essentially, this bill seeks to update and clarify the rules surrounding the storage, accessibility, and use of voter data in Minnesota, emphasizing voter privacy and the responsible use of this information by various stakeholders.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new provision specifying conditions under which voter data may be private."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section governs the public and private classification of data within the statewide voter registration system.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies which voter data elements are considered private."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "201.022 subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section addresses data related to voter registration applicants.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies that data on applicants is not part of the public information list until registered."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "201.061 subdivision 1b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section outlines the composition and access rules for public information lists concerning registered voters.",
      "modified": [
        "Emphasizes protection against tampering and improper use of voter information."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "201.091 subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section mandates the maintenance of a list of voters by political party during presidential nomination primaries.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies that the list is to be provided to major political parties while protecting voter privacy."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "201.091 subdivision 4a"
  }
]

Sponsors