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See accompanying model documents below.
This content conveys general information. Do not use it as a substitute for legal advice. Any attorney general opinions cited are available from the League’s Research staff.
Learn your responsibilities under Minnesota’s Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) for data your city creates or maintains. Understand how to balance the public’s right to know what their government is doing with an individual’s right to privacy in government data created and maintained about them, and the city’s need to function responsibly and efficiently.
Major data categories for individuals are public, private, and confidential. Discusses areas commonly of city interest such as criminal and other law enforcement or police data, personnel data, property complaint information, utility data, bidding information, threatened or pending litigation, and how to coordinate privacy requirements with the open meeting law. City responsibility to designate a responsible authority, name a compliance official and their duties. Use of Tennessen warnings, waivers and informed consent. Recording council meetings.
Use these model documents with the discussion on “Data Practices”:
- Appointing a Responsible Authority, LMC model resolution (doc)
- Employment Application, LMC model Form (doc)
- Informed Consent for Release of Information, LMC model form (doc)
- Recreational Registration with Tennessen Warning, LMC model form (doc)
