Minnesota § 609.5151 - DISSEMINATION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT PROHIBITED; PENALTY
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.5151 — DISSEMINATION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT PROHIBITED; PENALTY, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.5151. DISSEMINATION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT PROHIBITED; PENALTY
Subdivision 1.Definitions.
As used in this section:
(1) "family or household member" has the meaning given in section 518B.01, subdivision 2;
(2) "law enforcement official" means both peace officers as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, and persons employed by a law enforcement agency; and
(3) "personal information" means a home telephone number, personal cell number, personal email address, name of the official's minor child, photographs of the official's minor child, home address, directions to a home, or photographs of a home.
Subd. 2.Crime described.
(a) It is a misdemeanor for a person to knowingly and without consent make publicly available, including but not limited to through the Internet, personal information about a law enforcement official or an official's family or household member, if:
(1) the public availability of information poses an imminent and serious threat to the official's safety or the safety of an official's family or household member; and
(2) the person making the information publicly available knows or reasonably should know of the imminent and serious threat.
(b) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person violates paragraph (a) and a law enforcement official or an official's family or household member suffers great bodily harm or death as a result of the violation.
(c) A person who is convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
History:
1Sp2021 c 11 art 2 s 40; 2024 c 112 art 2 s 74,75
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.5151
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.5151 cover?
Section 609.5151 ("DISSEMINATION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT PROHIBITED; PENALTY") 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 § 609.5151?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.5151" (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 § 609.5151 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.