Bill > SF499

This bill reduces the filing fee for data practices complaints from $1,000 to $200, making it more affordable for individuals to file complaints about potential violations of Minnesota's data practices laws. The bill amends an existing statute related to filing complaints with the state office responsible for data practices. Under the proposed changes, individuals can still file a complaint within two years of an alleged violation, or within one year of discovering a violation involving concealment or misrepresentation by a government entity. The complaint must be submitted in writing, under oath, and include detailed facts supporting the claim. The office must immediately notify the respondent and the responsible authority upon receiving a complaint, and the respondent has 15 business days to file a response (with the possibility of an extension for good cause). The bill maintains other existing requirements, such as the need to detail the factual basis for the complaint and the office's ability to prescribe a standard complaint form. By significantly lowering the filing fee, the bill aims to make the complaint process more accessible to citizens seeking to challenge potential data practices violations.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0499&ssn=0&y=2025