What We Do

The Data Practices Office is responsible for providing informal advice to members of the public (including the media) and members of the government who have questions about the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act as well as the Open Meeting Law. 

In addition to providing informal advice on these two laws, our office also:

• Assists the Commissioner of Administration with the Commissioner's responsibilities to issue non-binding advisory opinions on issues related to the Data Practices Act and Open Meeting Law. More information is available on our advisory opinion page. 
• Assists the Commissioner of Administration with evaluating applications for temporary classifications and requests for approvals of new uses of data;
• Assists the Commissioner of Administration with processing appeals of challenges to the accuracy and/or completeness of data;
• Provides legislative assistance by tracking legislation and changes proposed by individuals, organizations, government entities, and the Legislature;
  
• Prepares explanatory and helpful publications to assist government entities in performing their duties and to assist individuals in exercising their rights;
• Prepares model forms, policies, and procedures to assist in compliance with the Data Practices Act;
• Consults on complex legal, technical, and policy issues;
• Provides training; and
• Consults with the information technology community to ensure that information systems are designed to comply with data practices laws.

Learn more about the work of the Data Practices Office.