This bill introduces a series of amendments to Minnesota Statutes aimed at enhancing state government operations, including the designation of state symbols, updates to data practices, and modifications to the legislative auditor's policies. It designates the giant beaver as the official state fossil and Ursa Minor as the official state constellation. Key provisions include the establishment of a Special Reviews Division within the legislative auditor's office, requiring obligated officers to report potential misuse of public resources, and allowing data sharing related to fraud in public programs among government entities. The bill also proposes changes to state employee group insurance eligibility, expands whistleblower protections, and raises the financial statement threshold for municipal liquor stores.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections concerning state personnel management, employee benefits, and affirmative action programs. It allows state employees to donate vacation time to one another and establishes a state director of diversity and equal employment opportunity. The bill also introduces a long-term care insurance program and revives the Legislative COVID-19 Response Commission while dissolving the MNLARS Steering Committee. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in state operations, while also enhancing support for small businesses and ensuring compliance with legal standards in employment practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 16B.328, 16B.055, 16B.335, 16B.48, 16B.54, 16C.137, 4A.07
1st Engrossment: 3.303, 3.305, 3.971, 11A.24, 13.04, 14.48, 14.62, 15A.082, 16A.28, 16B.055, 16B.335, 16B.48, 16B.54, 16B.97, 16B.98, 16B.981, 16B.991, 16C.05, 16C.137, 16C.16, 16D.09, 43A.27, 151.741, 181.931, 181.932, 471.6985, 16B.45, 43A.01, 43A.02, 43A.04, 43A.05, 43A.08, 43A.11, 43A.121, 43A.15, 43A.17, 43A.18, 43A.181, 43A.1815, 43A.19, 43A.23, 43A.24, 43A.33, 43A.346, 43A.36, 43A.421