This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to clarify the definition of "correspondence" in the context of government record retention and establishes a minimum retention period for such correspondence. Specifically, it defines correspondence as any written or electronic communication related to the events, decisions, business, and functions of a public agency, while excluding personal communications and unsolicited advertisements. Additionally, the bill mandates that all public agencies retain correspondence for a minimum of three years from the date of creation or receipt.

The bill also makes several amendments to existing statutes regarding the management and preservation of government records. It updates the responsibilities of public officers and the Records Disposition Panel, which oversees the destruction or preservation of records deemed no longer valuable. The amendments include the insertion of new definitions and the removal of outdated language, ensuring that the statutes reflect current practices in record management and retention. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations by ensuring that important communications are preserved for a specified duration.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 15.17, 138.17