Tighter Grip On Driver Data Sets Off Minn. Feud

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Imminent changes in access policies for Minnesota driver's license and vehicle registration data have the auto insurance industry warning of higher rates and car dealers saying that safety recalls could be hampered.

In the name of enhanced data security, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety plans to end subscription-based bulk sales of the records next month. Instead it will require specific queries at $5 per lookup for potentially millions of searches annually.

Companies that amass the records for databases and those that rely heavily on the information are lobbying Gov. Mark Dayton to halt the policy switch and haven't ruled out going to court if he doesn't.

The dispute is wrapped in a bigger debate about preventing misuse of government records and protecting privacy for licensed drivers and vehicle owners.

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