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Committee adopts DE4 amendment to narrow process for large data requests in HF 19 99
Summary
Lawmakers adopted a DE4 amendment to House File 19 99 that would codify guidance for responding to large public‑data requests in Minnesota’s data practices chapter, aiming to balance transparency with administrative burden.
The Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee adopted the DE4 amendment to House File 19 99, a bill that revises the state’s data‑practices response process for large or complex public‑data requests. Representative Kristin Green told the committee the amendment is the result of collaboration with news organizations, school districts and open‑government advocates.
Matt Ealing of Minnesotans for Open Government testified in support, saying the amendment codifies existing Department of Administration guidance into chapter 13 — allowing large requests to be handled in discrete components, with requesters inspecting or retrieving components in sequence. Proponents argued the change preserves the public’s right to request records while protecting government resources from non‑specific “fishing” requests.
Committee members praised collaboration and adopted the DE4 amendment by voice vote. Following adoption, Representative Scott moved the amended bill to the general register; members approved the motion by voice vote. Representatives and stakeholders said training and clearer guidance will be important for successful implementation.
