New Panel Studying Government Data Issues Convenes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A new commission tasked with studying whether Minnesota's records and data practices laws are keeping up with the times is getting off the ground.

The Legislative Commission on Data Practices was holding its inaugural meeting Tuesday near the state Capitol. The panel was created by Minnesota lawmakers last session amid concern that issues surrounding government data are cropping up fast and existing laws aren't equipped to deal with it all.

The commission has an advisory role, and any changes to data law still must go through the Legislature and be signed by the governor. It will be a venue to discuss emerging issues on data availability and security as well as the privacy of personal data.

The eight-member panel is made up of four House and four Senate appointees.