The proposed bill establishes an Office of Inspector General within the Minnesota legislative branch to enhance oversight and combat fraud, misuse, and unlawful use of public funds. The inspector general will be appointed for a six-year term and will operate independently while reporting to the Legislative Audit Commission. Key provisions include the inspector general's authority to conduct investigations, recommend sanctions against recipients of state funds, and collaborate with the legislative auditor. The bill also mandates the development of policies for reporting and investigating fraud allegations, the maintenance of a hotline for anonymous tips, and the requirement for public officials to assist the inspector general while prohibiting retaliation against whistleblowers.

Additionally, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes to transfer certain fraud investigation responsibilities from the Departments of Education, Human Services, and Children, Youth, and Families to the Office of the Inspector General. It includes new penalties for non-compliance with the inspector general's requests and expands the list of entities authorized to access confidential data for investigations. The bill also outlines the procedures for imposing sanctions on program participants found to have committed fraud, waste, or abuse, ensuring participants are notified of sanctions within seven business days. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline fraud investigations, improve accountability in public fund usage, and protect the integrity of the investigative process.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 3.97, 3.971, 609.456, 3.855, 16B.97, 16B.98, 16B.991, 142B.53, 245A.24, 268.19, 268B.30