Minnesota Index: Shining a light on government data

Minnesota statute requiring government “make and preserve” data: 15.17

Year the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act was established: 1974

Year Congress passed the Freedom of Information Act: 1966

Number of votes in U.S. House for/ against FOIA: 307/ 0

Number of exemptions outlined in FOIA: 9

Cost to public for examining Minnesota data: $0

Cost to public for printed copies, after 100 pages: up to $0.25 per page

Branches of government exempt from Data Practices Act: 2 (Legislature, Judiciary)

Governor’s proposed spending for 2018-19 biennium on Minnesota’s Bookstore: $2.8 million

House bill that would expand Data Practices Act and Open Meeting Laws to Legislature: 1065

Information Policy Analysis Division (IPAD) advisory opinions in 2001: 96

IPAD advisory opinions in 2016: 6

Days the government must respond if you are subject of the data request: 10

Week in March set aside to bring awareness to openness in government 12-18

Sources: Minnesota Statutes, Ballotpedia, Minnesota Department of Administration’s Information Policy Analysis Division, Electronic Frontier Foundation,