Minnesota Data Practices Act
Advisory Opinion Search & Guide
A comprehensive, public-interest resource designed to make 30+ years of Minnesota Data Practices Office legal opinions easy to search, explore, and understand.
Empowering Citizens & Legal Researchers
Unlocking Decades of Government Transparency Rulings
Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. Ch. 13) and Open Meeting Law, the Commissioner of Administration issues official legal Advisory Opinions interpreting how state transparency laws apply to public records requests, personnel data, law enforcement information, and government meetings.
To help citizens, journalists, local officials, attorneys, and community advocates quickly find relevant legal precedents, this platform organizes over three decades of official opinions into a fast, intuitive research engine.
Over 1,000+ Legal Opinions
Explore a complete index of official Advisory Opinions dating from 1994 to present, bringing decades of government transparency guidance together in one location.
Instant Full-Text Search
Search instantly by keyword, topic, or specific phrase across opinion titles, official summaries, and complete text rulings.
Categorized by Subject & Entity
Filter opinions by specific subjects (e.g. law enforcement, personnel data, trade secrets, email records) or government entity types (cities, counties, school districts, state agencies).
Statute Chapter 13 References
Easily cross-reference opinions against specific sections of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 and Open Meeting Law provisions.
Citizen Rights & Request Guide
Access plain-language guides explaining how to submit public data requests, understand agency response obligations, and know your legal rights as a Minnesota resident.
Public Interest Advocacy
Created as a public service commitment to ensure open government, protect public access rights, and support informed civic participation across Minnesota.
Explore the Minnesota Data Practices Archiver
Search over 30 years of official legal opinions or consult our MGDPA Rights Guide for public record requests.