This bill modifies existing laws related to the legislative auditor in Minnesota, specifically amending several sections of the Minnesota Statutes. Key changes include the establishment of a Special Reviews Division alongside the existing Financial Audits Division within the legislative auditor's office. The bill also clarifies the obligations of certain officers to notify the legislative auditor of potential unlawful use of public resources and expands the definition of "obligated officer" to include various high-ranking officials within organizations subject to audit. Additionally, the legislative auditor is granted the authority to classify data provided by legislators as private or nonpublic.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new requirement for state departments and agencies to ensure that concerns regarding the misuse of public resources or data are directed to the appropriate obligated officers or the Office of the Legislative Auditor. A policy will be developed by the commissioner of management and budget to standardize this process across state agencies. Lastly, the bill repeals a section of the Minnesota Statutes that previously outlined the functions of the legislative auditor concerning performance evaluations of information services and computerization efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 16B.45, 3.971, 3.978, 3.979