The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.43, subdivision 2, to modify the definition of "public official" within the context of public data practices. Specifically, it updates the criteria for identifying public officials in cities, changing the population threshold from "more than 7,500" to "more than 5,000." This adjustment broadens the scope of individuals classified as public officials, thereby increasing the transparency of data related to complaints or charges against them.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that data related to complaints or charges against public officials become public upon the completion of an investigation or if the official resigns or is terminated while the complaint is pending, unless such disclosure would jeopardize an active investigation or reveal confidential sources. The bill also stipulates that public data includes various personnel information, such as job titles, salaries, and disciplinary actions, while ensuring that certain sensitive information remains protected.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.43