NOVEMBER 2025

Data Practices Office Annual Report is Online

The Data Practices Office's Annual Report is now available on our website. This report provides a look at our office's work during the 2025 fiscal year. The report includes an overview of the different types of questions we received from our partners in the public and government entities, an overview of advisory opinion requests our office received, and a summary of responses to the trainings we conducted. We hope you find the report informative. As always, we welcome feedback on our work and how we can better support you. Feel free to email us at info.dpo@state.mn.us.

Upcoming Data Practices Trainings

Data Practices 201: Data Access Policies and Procedures Remote Workshop

Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on WebEx

Want a deeper dive into the Data Practices Act's requirements for data access policies and processing data requests? Then this workshop is for you!

The workshop offers:

• Discussion of general legal requirements for a government entity's data access policies as required by Minn. Stat., section 13.025
• Guidance on practices and procedures for responding to data requests
• Tips on training staff about data practices requirements
• An opportunity to compare your data practices policies and procedures with colleagues at other government entities

This workshop will be held remotely on WebEx. It will not require in-person attendance, but it will require virtual participation. Before registering, please ensure that you will have audio and video technology available to participate in group discussions.

The cost to attend this workshop is $125 per person.

Please visit our website for more information and to register.

Advisory Opinion Updates

Open Meeting Law

In Advisory Opinion 25-008, a member of the public asked whether a city council violated the Open Meeting Law when it held an emergency meeting on June 3, 2025, to approve a wastewater services contract. The Commissioner determined that the council violated the OML because the circumstances did not justify calling an emergency meeting, which is reserved for issues requiring immediate action, typically involving public safety. Since the matter could have been handled through a properly noticed special meeting, the council’s use of the emergency meeting procedure did not comply with the OML. 

Transcript of 911 Call

In Advisory Opinion 25-009, several media requesters asked whether a county sheriff’s office responded appropriately to a request for a 911 transcript. The County argued that portions of the transcript were active investigative data under section 13.82, subd. 7 and a health record under the Minnesota Health Records Act. The Commissioner concluded that 911 calls were public request for service data under section 13.82, subd. 3, and therefore the County did not respond appropriately. 

Data Practices or OML Questions?

Have questions about data practices or the Open Meeting Law? Contact us by email at info.dpo@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-296-6733. We are here to help!