Open records requests in Minnesota

How the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act works

Minnesota takes a distinctive approach through its Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. § 13.01 et seq.), which classifies all government data into categories, public, private, confidential, or protected nonpublic, and specifies access rules for each. This differs structurally from most state open records statutes: rather than listing exemptions, Minnesota defines what is accessible. Data not classified by statute or rule is presumed public. Any person may request public data without providing a reason.

Agencies must respond immediately when a requester appears in person, and within ten business days for written requests. Fees are limited to reasonable reproduction rates. The Department of Administration's Information Policy Analysis Division provides formal advisory opinions. Enforcement actions may be brought in district court, where courts may award attorney's fees and civil damages for intentional violations. The Legislature and courts are both subject to the Act's provisions.