Minnesota Senate Bill SF2051

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/25
• Refer: 3/3/25

Caption

County attorneys and employees in county attorney offices personal information dissemination restriction provision

Impact

The passage of SF2051 could have significant implications for state laws regarding privacy and public safety. By limiting the availability of personal information of judicial officials and county attorneys, the bill addresses concerns about their safety and the potential for harassment from the public or individuals with malicious intentions. This is particularly relevant given the heightened scrutiny and public interactions that these officials may face. The bill reflects a growing legislative trend to prioritize the privacy of public officials while balancing public interest and safety.

Summary

SF2051 is a legislative proposal that aims to restrict the public dissemination of certain personal information pertaining to county attorneys and employees within county attorney offices in Minnesota. The bill amends existing statutory language to delineate what constitutes 'personal information' and expands the protections over such data. Specifically, it defines personal information to include residential addresses, nonjudicial contact information, and names of children of judicial officials, enhancing protections for these individuals from potential threats or harassment, especially in today's climate where safety is a growing concern.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support on the grounds of enhancing safety, it may face scrutiny regarding transparency and public access to government-related information. Critics might argue that such restrictions could lead to a lack of accountability among judicial officials and limit public oversight. The legislative debate could bring to light contrasting views on the necessity of protecting personal information against the essential public right to access information regarding government officials and their roles in the community.