HF 3867

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to data practices; clarifying the length of time allowed for giving notice;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 13.072, subdivision 1.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1

. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 13.072, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Opinion; when required.

(a) Upon request of a government entity,
the commissioner may give a written opinion on any question relating to public access
to government data, rights of subjects of data, or classification of data under this chapter
or other Minnesota statutes governing government data practices. Upon request of any
person who disagrees with a determination regarding data practices made by a government
entity, the commissioner may give a written opinion regarding the person's rights as a
subject of government data or right to have access to government data.

(b) Upon request of a body subject to chapter 13D, the commissioner may give a
written opinion on any question relating to the body's duties under chapter 13D. Upon
request of a person who disagrees with the manner in which members of a governing body
perform their duties under chapter 13D, the commissioner may give a written opinion
on compliance with chapter 13D. A governing body or person requesting an opinion
under this paragraph must pay the commissioner a fee of $200. Money received by the
commissioner under this paragraph is appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes
of this section.

(c) If the commissioner determines that no opinion will be issued, the commissioner
shall give the government entity or body subject to chapter 13D or person requesting
the opinion notice of the decision not to issue the opinion within five new text begin business new text end new text begin new text end days of
receipt of the request. If this notice is not given, the commissioner shall issue an opinion
within 20 days of receipt of the request.

(d) For good cause and upon written notice to the person requesting the opinion,
the commissioner may extend this deadline for one additional 30-day period. The notice
must state the reason for extending the deadline. The government entity or the members
of a body subject to chapter 13D must be provided a reasonable opportunity to explain the
reasons for its decision regarding the data or how they perform their duties under chapter
13D. The commissioner or the government entity or body subject to chapter 13D may
choose to give notice to the subject of the data concerning the dispute regarding the data
or compliance with chapter 13D.

(e) This section does not apply to a determination made by the commissioner of
health under section 13.3805, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), or 144.6581.

(f) A written opinion issued by the attorney general shall take precedence over an
opinion issued by the commissioner under this section.