MNCOGI worked to stop problematic Hennepin County data bills from advancing through the legislative process.
The bills (SF 4949/HF 4647) would have modified the Minnesota Data Practice Act to no longer allow persons making data request to sue government entities for damages, unless the requester was seeking data about themselves, a related minor, or a related deceased individual. Persons who routinely use the act to unearth data beneficial to the public as a whole — such as journalists and nonprofits — would be barred from bringing claims for damages. MNCOGI and several others – from data activist Rich Neumeister, to the Minnesota Justice Coalition – raised concerns about the legislation, and the bills failed to receive hearings during the 2024 session.
Read MNCOGI’s comments about the legislation here.