Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tom Scheck

New law requires private companies to open govt. contract data

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Some private companies may have to release information related to government contracts under a new law signed by Gov. Mark Dayton.  The governor's office announced today he had signed the bill.

The law requires government contractors to disclose any data used to perform functions on behalf of the government. The measure comes after a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling last fall  that said a private company contracting with a northern Minnesota school district did not have to publicly release details of a school construction project.

The Timberjay newspaper and its editor, Marshall Helmberger, had asked Johnson Controls, the company overseeing the St. Louis County schools project, to turn over its subcontract with an architectural firm. Helmberger had wanted to evaluate Johnson Controls' use of taxpayer money for the $78 million reconstruction.

The law exempts HMOs and other health companies from disclosing their contracts until July 2015.

Another provision in the bill also requires the Department of Public Safety to create a bulk plan subscription service for driver's license data and vehicle title records.

Dayton vetoed one portion of the bill that dealt with a special account for the Legislative Auditor. In his veto letter, the governor wrote he did not want to create an open appropriation without fully knowing the costs to implement the law.