Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With the extreme temperatures we felt this week, I hope you were able to stay warm. After overnight lows nearing 30 below zero, high temperatures of almost 40 degrees this weekend will be a welcome taste of spring, or at least a February thaw!
On Wednesday, I sent out an email update with a quick progress report on my efforts to secure full funding to permanently clean up the WDE landfill in Andover. In case you missed it, you can read that update by clicking here. In this week’s update, I’ll fill you in on my data breach bill, a local award winner, and a couple upcoming local events.
Data Breach Bill
Earlier this week, my data breach bill received its first hearing in the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Division. This bill pertains to current law surrounding state government-held data, which states that a data breach is an “unauthorized acquisition of data maintained by a government entity that compromises the security and classification of the data”.
If a data breach occurs, the government must disclose and notify any individual whose personal data was breached. Under current law, a breach does not occur unless the government decides there was unauthorized acquisition of the data by a person “with intent to use the data for nongovernmental purposes.” In the last year, there have been data breaches where people have not been notified because of this distinction.
My bill removes the intent requirement of this law and states that any unauthorized release of data is a data breach. It clarifies that it does not matter whether or not the person who accessed the data intended to use the data for “nongovernmental purposes” — if there was unauthorized access to a person’s personal data, then it is a breach and the person must be notified. This will ensure proper notification to individuals affected by data breaches.
I have heard a few concerns from state agencies about this legislation and, as it works its way through the committee process, I will be working with stakeholders to get it right and produce a bill that will best protect the personal data of Minnesotans.
Triple “A” Award Winner
Andover High School senior Matthew Brodeur was recently selected as the Region 7AA Triple “A” Award winner by the Minnesota State High School League. The MSHSL sponsors the award for a senior girl and a senior boy who excel in academics, athletics, and arts. Matthew is involved in orchestra, plays three sports, and maintains an impressive GPA of 4.21. He is certainly very deserving of this distinction and represents Andover with integrity and class. More information about Matthew and the award can be found here.
Local Events
If you’re looking to free up some space in your home and get rid of some old stuff, the Coon Rapids Recycling Center has you covered this weekend. Throughout the day tomorrow, there will be opportunities to recycle appliances, electronics, and mattresses as well as time to shred paper documents. Complete information and details can be found here.
In addition, there will be an Andover City Council meeting next Tuesday, February 5, at 7pm at the Andover City Hall. City Council meetings are a great opportunity to learn more about the issues facing your local government and I encourage you to attend if you are free and interested.
Please Contact Me
As always, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office if you need anything or have any questions or thoughts on any issue. If you would like to get in touch, please email me at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn or call 651-296-4231.
Have a great weekend,
Peggy