Minn. lawmakers open debate on interest disclosure - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota lawmakers expect a tricky task when they begin refining legislation that more clearly define conflicts of interest and demands more financial disclosure from Minnesota public officials.

The House Elections Committee on Tuesday examined a proposal from state regulators that would impose stricter disclosure laws.

For the first time, officials in state and some local governments would have to disclose more details about their own income and that of a spouse. They would also have to do more to document potential conflicts that could cause them to refrain from voting.

Minnesota has been deemed to have among the weakest financial disclosure rules for officials. But lawmakers say they have to strike a balance between personal privacy of officials and public confidence that actions aren't unduly influenced.