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. Specifically, "Fraud" refers to deceptive acts for unlawful benefits, "Misuse" involves improper use of authority for personal gain or harm, and "Personal gain" encompasses benefits to an employee's family or dependents.

Additionally, the bill modifies the 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, alongside legislators and constitutional officers. This aims to ensure that employees can report misconduct without fear of retaliation, thereby promoting accountability and transparency within state programs and services.

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