Minnesota § 300.79 - PROHIBITION ON DECEPTIVE BUSINESS MAILINGS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 300.79 — PROHIBITION ON DECEPTIVE BUSINESS MAILINGS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 300.79. PROHIBITION ON DECEPTIVE BUSINESS MAILINGS
Subdivision 1.Definition.
For purposes of this section, "solicitation" means a communication that is sent by a nongovernment third party to a business and that purports to:
(1) notify the business of an operating requirement, including but not limited to filing documents with or retrieving documents from the Office of the Secretary of State; or
(2) offer a service that relates to filing documents with, producing documents for, or reporting information to the Office of the Secretary of State.
Subd. 2.Design and content requirements.
(a) A solicitation must:
(1) include a clear statement indicating that the solicitation is an advertisement and is not from a government agency. The statement must be placed at the top of a physical document or the beginning of an electronic communication and must be in at least 24-point font. All other text in the document must be smaller than the statement required by this clause;
(2) provide information indicating where an individual is able to directly file documents with the secretary of state or retrieve copies of public records;
(3) disclose the name and physical address of the company sending the solicitation. The physical address must not be a post office box; and
(4) for a mailed solicitation, prominently display in capital letters on the envelope or outer wrapper the words "THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT."
(b) The overall design and language of a solicitation must not:
(1) create the impression that the solicitation is an official government notice or document;
(2) incorporate the Minnesota state seal or other logo or branding of the state or any state agency; or
(3) indicate or imply a legal duty to act on the solicitation or a penalty for failure to act on the solicitation.
Subd. 3.Penalties.
(a) A person who sends a solicitation that does not comply with the requirements of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) A violation of this section is a violation of sections 325D.43 to 325D.48.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 300.79
What does Minnesota Statutes § 300.79 cover?
Section 300.79 ("PROHIBITION ON DECEPTIVE BUSINESS MAILINGS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 300.79?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 300.79" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 300.79 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.