Minnesota Senate Bill SF213

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

Minnesota Historical Society meetings requirement to be open to the public and the data to be public data

Impact

The implications of SF213 on state law are significant, as it modifies existing regulations surrounding the meeting practices of governmental agencies, specifically historical societies. By requiring meetings to be public, this bill would likely enhance civic engagement and enable citizens to have a more direct say in how state-owned historic sites are managed and preserved. Additionally, classifying data as public necessitates that the Minnesota Historical Society establish protocols for data sharing, potentially affecting administrative processes within the organization.

Summary

SF213 aims to enhance transparency regarding the operations of the Minnesota Historical Society by mandating that its meetings be open to the public and that data pertaining to state-owned properties be classified as public data. This initiative is designed to ensure that the public can access information and participate in discussions relating to state-owned historic sites, thereby promoting accountability within state government operations. The bill reflects an ongoing commitment to open government and transparency, which resonates with public interest groups advocating for increased access to government activities.

Contention

While SF213 has garnered support for advancing transparency, it may also encounter contention regarding the balance between public access and the potential for sensitive information to be misused. Concerns may arise from stakeholders who believe that too much exposure could hinder the effective management of state-owned historical sites or compromise operational confidentiality. The requirements set forth in the bill could lead to debates on how to manage public access to ensure that operational efficiency is maintained while fulfilling the bill's intent.