This bill establishes the crime of illegal remunerations in Minnesota, specifically targeting unauthorized payments related to federal health care programs and grants. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 256B.12, to clarify the roles of the attorney general and county attorneys in prosecuting violations. The new section 609.542 outlines various forms of illegal remuneration, including soliciting or receiving payments in exchange for referrals, purchases, or applications related to services covered by federal health care programs. It also addresses the solicitation or receipt of payments in connection with grants, including providing false information in grant applications.

The bill specifies penalties for violations, with potential imprisonment of up to ten years and fines of up to $20,000 for offenses involving significant amounts of value. It also allows for the aggregation of offenses committed within a six-month period and establishes that claims resulting from violations may be considered false claims under existing law. The effective date for these provisions is set for August 1, 2025, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.12