The proposed bill establishes the crime of illegal remunerations, 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 definitions and specific actions that constitute illegal remuneration, including soliciting or receiving payments in exchange for referrals or services related to federal health care programs and grants.

The bill also details penalties for violations, which can include imprisonment and fines based on the value of the remuneration involved. It introduces provisions for aggregating offenses committed within a six-month period and establishes that claims resulting from violations may be considered false claims. Additionally, it specifies exceptions to the illegal remuneration provisions and sets an effective date of August 1, 2025, for crimes committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 256B.12