Bill > SF1988

This bill modifies Minnesota's government record retention laws by clarifying definitions and establishing a minimum three-year retention period for correspondence. The bill expands the definition of "government records" and specifically defines "correspondence" as any written or electronic text-based communication between government officials that documents agency activities, while excluding personal communications, social event announcements, and unsolicited promotional materials. The legislation requires public agencies to maintain an active records management program and mandates that correspondence records must be retained for at least three years from their creation or receipt. The bill also reinforces existing requirements for public officers to preserve records necessary for a full and accurate understanding of their official activities, allowing for various reproduction methods like digital imaging and microfilming. These changes aim to improve government record keeping practices by providing clearer guidelines on what constitutes official correspondence and ensuring that important communications are preserved for a minimum standard period, which can help with transparency, accountability, and historical documentation of government activities.

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https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1988&ssn=0&y=2025