This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance whistleblower protections for public employees by introducing new definitions and expanding the scope of protected disclosures. It adds definitions for "Fraud," "Misuse," and "Personal gain," which clarify the types of misconduct that can be reported without fear of retaliation. Specifically, "Fraud" refers to deceptive acts for unlawful benefits, "Misuse" pertains to the improper use of authority for personal gain or harm, and "Personal gain" encompasses benefits to the employee's family and dependents.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing whistleblower protections by broadening the categories of individuals and entities to whom disclosures can be made. It replaces the term "an employee in the classified service of state government" with "a state employee" and expands the list of recipients for protected disclosures to include employers, governmental bodies, and law enforcement officials. This aims to ensure that employees can report violations or misconduct related to state programs and services without facing retaliation, thereby promoting accountability and transparency within public employment.

Statutes affected:
1st Engrossment: 181.931, 181.932
2nd Engrossment: 181.931, 181.932