Government Data Practices

Last reviewed May 2026

Minnesota Information

• Data Practices Division - Previously known as IPAD; Information about Minnesota's data practice laws from the division of Minnesota Department of Administration.
  • Rules and requirements information about the Government Data Practices Act and the Open Meeting Law.
• Data Practices - A page from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
• Data Privacy Resources - A page from the League of Minnesota Cities, which includes a Data Practices memo for cities.
• Minnesotans for Open Government - A nonprofit organization committed to the promotion of public access to government information and transparency of government operations.
• Minnesota Historical Society - Links to various records retention schedules for Minnesota government entities, including counties, school districts, and state agencies.
• Minnesota Legislature - State laws governing access to information and legislative publications about those laws:
  • Access to Consumer Reports - Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13C, includes legislation about security freezes.
  • Government Data Practices Act - Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13, the act applies to information in any form held by certain government agencies.
  • Health Records Act - Minnesota Statutes Sections 144.291 to 144.298 may be cited as the Minnesota Health Records Act.
  • Open Meeting Law - Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D.
  • House Research (Minnesota House of Representatives) - Several publications about data practices, including the information briefs Minnesota Open Meeting Law and Minnesota Government Data Practices Act: A Data Practices Overview.
• MNIT - This state office provides leadership and direction for information and communications technology.
• National Conference for State Legislatures - Information about technology and communication topics such as AI and government data.

Federal Information

• Federal Trade Commission - Provides tips for online safety, including the guide Protecting Kids' Privacy.
• Office of Information Policy - A guide to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
• U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - Access to information on HIPAA, the federal health privacy information legislation, from their Office for Civil Rights.

The sites listed on this page are not created, maintained, or endorsed by the Minnesota Legislature.