This bill aims to enhance grants management in Minnesota by establishing training and certification requirements for state employees involved in grants management. It mandates that certain state employees must receive training and certification from the commissioner, demonstrating their knowledge of grants management policies and procedures. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition of "grants management responsibilities," outlining specific duties such as developing requests for proposals, monitoring compliance, and conducting site inspections. The commissioner is also tasked with maintaining a list of grantees who have committed fraud or failed to comply with grant agreements.

Furthermore, the bill requires granting agencies to take specific actions following failures by grantees, including conducting unannounced monitoring visits for larger grants and documenting instances of non-compliance. If a grantee is found to have committed fraud or misused public funds, the granting agency must report this to the commissioner and law enforcement, and may suspend or debar the grantee from future eligibility. The bill emphasizes accountability and oversight in the grants management process, ensuring that state employees are adequately trained and that grantees adhere to the terms of their agreements.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 16B.97, 16B.98