The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.03, subdivision 3, to introduce new restrictions on public data requests. It maintains the existing provisions that allow individuals to inspect and copy public government data without incurring charges for inspection. However, it clarifies that while responsible authorities can charge for the actual costs associated with searching, retrieving, and transmitting data, they cannot charge for separating public from non-public data. Additionally, if a request involves copies of public data with commercial value developed at significant public expense, a reasonable fee can be charged, which must be justified by the government entity.

A significant new provision is added, stating that if a responsible authority notifies a requesting person that data or copies are available for inspection or collection, and the person fails to inspect or collect them within five days, the authority may suspend any further response to the request. This aims to streamline the process and ensure that requests are acted upon in a timely manner. Overall, the bill seeks to balance public access to government data with the need for responsible management of resources and costs associated with data requests.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.03
1st Engrossment: 13.03