The bill proposes a series of amendments to Minnesota Statutes aimed at enhancing state government operations, improving fraud detection, and supporting small businesses. Key provisions include the designation of new state symbols, such as the giant beaver as the official state fossil and Ursa Minor as the official constellation. It establishes a Financial Audits Division and a Special Reviews Division within the legislative auditor's office, expanding the auditor's authority to investigate fraud in public programs and facilitating data sharing among government entities. The bill also introduces whistleblower protections for public employees and modifies the administrative law process, including stipulations regarding the finality of administrative law judge decisions and the framework for withholding payments to program participants under investigation for fraud.

Additionally, the bill includes significant changes to state employee benefits and personnel management, such as allowing employees to donate vacation time to one another and establishing a new program for customized employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It also revives the Legislative COVID-19 Response Commission and introduces a long-term care insurance program with specific eligibility criteria and management provisions. The bill aims to streamline legislative processes by repealing outdated provisions and enhancing transparency in state operations, including requirements for state agencies to post organizational charts and leadership information. Overall, the bill seeks to improve efficiency, accountability, and support for both state employees and small businesses.

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