Data Practices Request / Not About Requestor

This resource will guide you in making a data practices request under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13, for public data that are not about you.

Identify the Responsible Authority

You will want to submit your request directly to the responsible authority.

  • The Responsible Authority (RA) for a County Social Services Office is the Director of that office.
  • Each Elected Official (such as the County Sheriff or the County Attorney) is the Responsible Authority for his or her office.
  • The Responsible Authority for other county offices is appointed by the County Board (County Administrator).

Request Procedure

After identifying the Responsible Authority, you should ask about access procedures for public data requests. You must use the Information Disclosure Request Form (PDF) to make your request or put your request in writing.

Minnesota Government Data Practices Act

Make your request under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. If making a written request, rather than using the Information Disclosure Request Form, be sure to use the language: "I am making a request for access to public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13". This will let Chisago County know you are requesting access to data and Chapter 13 governs the response.

Requesting vs. Asking

Request access to data rather than asking a question about data. The Responsible Authority is only required to respond to requests for access to data under Chapter 13. The Responsible Authority is not required to respond, or follow timelines in responding, if you only submit a question about data. In the following example, the 1st statement is a question about data that does not require a response under Chapter 13. The 2nd statement is a request for data requiring a response.

  • Why did the County Board decide to end the Park Program?
  • I would like access to all data about why the County Board decided to end the Park Program.

Request Submission

Submit a specific request for access to the public data. It is important that your request for access to the public data is specific. This will help prevent misunderstandings about your request. A public data request may include:

  • Specifically identifying the public data you would like to access.
  • Explaining how you would like access to the data.
    • Would you like to inspect the public data? You can inspect the data for free at the offices of the government entity. You may need to make an appointment to inspect the data.
    • Would you like to receive copies of the public data? You can be charged for copies of the data.

Additional Information

Chisago County cannot require you to identify yourself or ask why you want access to the public data. However, there may be times when it is not possible to access the data without identifying yourself. For example:

  • You may need to identify yourself to make an appointment to inspect the data.
  • You may need to identify yourself if you request that copies of the data are sent to you.

Chisago County is required to respond to your request for access to public data in an appropriate and prompt manner within a reasonable amount of time.

Important Documents