This bill aims to strengthen consumer protection in Minnesota by addressing medical assistance fraud through the introduction of new provisions that define various fraudulent acts, such as executing schemes to obtain medical assistance funds, submitting false claims, and omitting material information in applications. It establishes criminal penalties for these offenses, which may include fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the fraud. The Attorney General is granted expanded subpoena and enforcement authority to investigate and prosecute these cases. Additionally, the bill specifies that violations can be prosecuted in the county where the offense occurred or where the entity receiving the fraudulent claims is located, and it allows for restitution for costs and losses resulting from the fraud.

The bill also includes amendments to existing laws, notably the repeal of the previous statute on medical assistance fraud, section 609.466, and the introduction of section 609.467, which expands the definition of "criminal act" to encompass violations related to insurance companies and state agencies. It modifies the statute of limitations for various offenses, ensuring that serious crimes can be prosecuted without time constraints. Furthermore, the bill appropriates $1,230,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to the Attorney General to combat medical assistance fraud. The new provisions are set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

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