The proposed bill establishes a Consumer Protection Restitution Account within Minnesota's special revenue fund to improve consumer protection efforts. It amends existing statutes to ensure that funds recovered from consumer enforcement actions are redirected into this new account when victims cannot be identified or located, allowing the Attorney General to deposit money for the benefit of eligible consumers affected by unlawful acts. The bill outlines the permissible uses of the account, including compensating eligible consumers and covering administrative costs, while also mandating the Attorney General to publish an annual report on the account's activities. It clarifies that there is no private right of action regarding payments from the account and that the distribution of funds does not interfere with the Attorney General's authority to collect compensation from violators.

Additionally, the bill revises various sections of Minnesota Statutes to clarify the handling of funds related to environmental projects and consumer enforcement compensation. It specifies that supplemental environmental projects funded through settlement agreements with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are not considered civil penalties and should not factor into community health board distributions. The bill also requires community health boards to report on their use of these funds within one year of receipt. Furthermore, it introduces a provision that consumer enforcement public compensation payments will be treated as a subtraction for tax purposes, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and revises definitions related to income and exemptions for tax purposes. The effective date for these changes is set for claims based on property taxes payable in 2026 and subsequent years, aiming to enhance transparency and provide tax relief for consumers receiving enforcement compensation.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 8.31, 16A.151, 290.0132
1st Engrossment: 8.31, 16A.151, 290.0132, 290.0693, 290A.03
2nd Engrossment: 8.31, 16A.151, 290.0132, 290.0693, 290A.03
3rd Engrossment: 8.31, 16A.151, 290.0132, 290.0693, 290A.03
4th Engrossment: 8.31, 16A.151, 290.0132, 290.0693, 290A.03