MN HF2953

Transfers data practices responsibilities from the Commissioner of Administration to the Chief Administrative Law Judge in the Office of Administrative Hearings, including oversight of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and Open Meeting Law.

Establishes a Data Practices Coordinator position within the Office of Administrative Hearings to advise government entities and the public on data access, data classification, and open meetings compliance.

Eliminates the $1,000 filing fee requirement for data practices complaints to the Office of Administrative Hearings, allowing complaints to be filed without a fee.

Modifies civil penalties and attorney fees in data practices disputes, including up to $300 civil penalties in administrative proceedings and enhanced attorney fee awards for prevailing parties when government entities ignore prior advisory opinions.

Requires the Office of Administrative Hearings to publish and maintain a searchable database of all data practices decisions and previously issued advisory opinions on its website, with decisions having precedential effect on future complaints.