This bill establishes an Office of the Inspector General within the state government to improve oversight and accountability concerning fraud, waste, and abuse in public programs. The Inspector General, appointed by the Legislative Audit Commission, will operate independently and is tasked with investigating fraud allegations, developing a fraud reporting hotline, and requiring state agencies to halt payments when fraud is suspected. The bill outlines the Inspector General's powers, including access to government data, the ability to subpoena witnesses, and the authority to impose temporary sanctions on suspected fraudulent recipients of state funds. It also includes provisions for protecting whistleblowers and mandates compliance with recommendations from the legislative auditor.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes, abolishing the Offices of Inspector General in the Departments of Education, Human Services, and Children, Youth, and Families, and transferring all active investigations and resources to the new Inspector General. It updates mandatory reporting requirements for licensing functions, clarifying that suspected fraud must be reported to county investigators and the Inspector General. The bill also ensures that the Inspector General is subject to the Government Data Practices Act, protects confidential data, prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers, and establishes a process for notifying program participants of sanctions with the right to appeal. Overall, the bill aims to enhance oversight and accountability while safeguarding the rights of individuals reporting misconduct.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 3.97, 3.971, 142B.53, 245A.24, 268.19, 268B.30