The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 388.23, subdivision 1, to authorize county attorneys to utilize administrative subpoenas specifically in wage theft investigations. The new language expands the authority of county attorneys to include the ability to subpoena various records related to wage theft, such as accounting and financial records, payrolls, and other employment-related documents. This addition aims to enhance the tools available for investigating wage theft cases, thereby improving public safety and accountability in employment practices.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that administrative subpoenas may only be issued in welfare fraud and identity theft cases if there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, and it restricts the application of these subpoenas to records of business entities, excluding private individuals and their residences. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025, and they will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 388.23