Crime of disseminating personal information expanded to include all individuals, and civil action for dissemination of personal information created.

This bill expands Minnesota's crime of disseminating personal information to protect all individuals, not just law enforcement officers, and creates a new civil lawsuit option for victims of such disclosures. It allows people to sue those who knowingly share their private information online or publicly when it creates an immediate danger to their safety, permitting courts to award damages for emotional distress, civil penalties up to $10,000, and legal fees. The law includes exceptions for lawful criminal investigations, public interest reporting, and other legal proceedings, and it would take effect on August 1, 2026, allowing affected individuals to file claims in Minnesota courts.