Minnesota House Bill HF986

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

Statewide voter registration system data classified.

Impact

HF986 aims to enhance data privacy regulations pertaining to voter information, establishing clearer definitions of which pieces of information can be disclosed and which cannot. The bill mandates that any person requesting public voter data must certify in writing that the information obtained will not be used for purposes unrelated to elections, political activities, or law enforcement. This is expected to strengthen the data handling processes and reduce the risk of misuse of sensitive voter information, reinforcing trust in the electoral system.

Summary

House File 986 (HF986) is a legislative bill directed towards the classification of data within the statewide voter registration system in Minnesota. It amends existing statutes to delineate what constitutes public versus private data regarding registered voters. Key provisions of the bill assert that while certain information is available to the public, sensitive personal data such as a voter’s date of birth, driver's license number, and Social Security number are classified as private, thus protecting individual privacy. Upon request, the bill allows for the withholding of voter names when there is a concern for personal safety.

Contention

Discussions around HF986 have highlighted points of contention regarding transparency and voter privacy. Proponents are likely to argue that while safeguarding personal data is critical, it should not come at the cost of transparency in elections. Balancing the need for voter privacy with the public's right to access information about the electoral process will be a key focus in ongoing debates. Concerns have been raised that overly stringent data classifications could hinder political engagement and oversight by limiting the availability of information necessary for civic participation, particularly in monitoring election integrity.