This bill seeks to enhance consumer protection in Minnesota by addressing medical assistance fraud through new provisions that empower the attorney general and authorized assistant attorneys general to issue subpoenas for records related to fraud investigations. It defines specific actions that constitute medical assistance fraud, such as submitting false claims and destroying records, and establishes penalties that range from fines to imprisonment based on the severity of the offense. The bill also repeals a previous statute related to medical assistance fraud and amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes to incorporate these new provisions, with an effective date of August 1, 2026, for crimes committed on or after that date.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,230,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support the attorney general's efforts in combating medical assistance fraud. It introduces disqualification criteria for individuals convicted of serious crimes, including those under the newly included section 609.467, and clarifies the timeframes for filing indictments related to certain offenses. The bill emphasizes the seriousness of fraud against state-funded programs and outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement and state agencies in addressing these issues, ultimately aiming to strengthen the legal framework surrounding fraud and disqualifications for individuals involved in serious offenses affecting vulnerable populations and state resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.466, 8.16, 256B.12, 628.26
1st Engrossment: 609.466, 8.16, 256B.12, 628.26
2nd Engrossment: 609.466, 8.16, 256B.12, 609.52, 628.26
3rd Engrossment: 609.466, 8.16, 609.52
4th Engrossment: 609.466, 8.16, 609.52
5th Engrossment: 609.466, 8.16, 609.52, 214.10, 245C.15, 609.21