Essentials of Data Practices for Responsible Authorities

Individuals designated as responsible authorities under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) are tasked with the duty of ensuring that their government entities comply with the Act’s requirements for transparency, data privacy and data security. This seminar, led by Minnesota Department of Administration Data Practices Office staff, provides responsible authorities and their designees with the foundation they need to take on the duties of the Act, as well as offers best practices to assist in day-to-day MGDPA administration.

When and Where

• Aug. 19
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Park Event Center, Waite Park, Minn.

What You Learn

Minnesota Government Data Practices Act basics: Overview of the duties of a responsible authority and data compliance officer, and the basic definitions of data and data classifications

Policies and procedures: Developing data access and security policies and procedures, maintaining data inventories, and working with elected officials and staff to ensure MGDPA compliance

Responding to data requests: Best practices for responding to data requests under the MGDPA, including:

• denying access
• managing complex requests
• separating private and public data
• recovering costs
• managing nonpublic data on minors
• creating summary data
• requesting a temporary classification of data
• special considerations for personnel data

Accuracy and completeness challenges: Overview of the accuracy and completeness challenge process and best practices for responding to a challenge

Data breach requirements—investigation and notification: Discussion of the definition of “data breach” under the MGDPA, breach investigation and notification requirements, and annual comprehensive security assessments

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is specifically designed for individuals designated as a public entity’s responsible authority and the responsible authority’s designee. An individual may be the responsible authority if he or she is the:

• county administrator or coordinator
• county auditor
• county attorney
• sheriff
• SWCD district manager
• joint powers executive director
• social services director
• veterans services officer
• other elected official
• person designated by the governing board to be the responsible authority

Register

• Registration opens June 24, 2026
• No walk-in registrations.
• Purchase tickets below in the Seats section. If no more seats are available, contact MCIT to be added to the wait list. 
• Each individual must purchase a ticket separately. Enter both the first and last names of the person(s) attending the conference as it should appear on the name tag if it is different from the name of the person making the registration.
• Payment for the registration fee is due via credit card at the time of registration. Payment must process before registration is accepted.

Questions

Questions about registration, payment or program content: Contact MCIT communications or call 866.547.6516.

Cancelation Policy

Seminar cancelations received by Aug. 4, 2026, will receive a full refund. No refund will be issued for cancelations received after this deadline.