MN HF4092

Expands Minnesota's existing crime of disseminating personal information (currently limited to law enforcement officials) to protect all individuals from having personal information publicly shared without consent when it poses an imminent safety threat.

Creates a new civil cause of action allowing victims to sue for damages including actual damages, mental anguish, civil penalties up to $10,000, and attorney fees when personal information is knowingly disseminated creating a serious safety threat.

Defines protected "personal information" as home telephone numbers, personal cell numbers, personal email addresses, names and photographs of minor children, home addresses, directions to homes, and photographs of homes.

Provides exceptions for criminal investigations, good faith reporting of unlawful conduct, matters of public interest, legal proceedings, and disclosures required by law; maintains consistency with federal Section 230 protections.

Both provisions take effect August 1, 2026, with the criminal penalty remaining a misdemeanor (gross misdemeanor if great bodily harm or death results or for repeat offenses).