This bill establishes a new crime specifically for the theft of public funds in Minnesota, codified under a new section, [609.5523] THEFT OF PUBLIC FUNDS. It defines "public funds" as money held or administered by a government entity and outlines various acts that constitute theft of public funds, including intentionally taking or using public funds without consent, obtaining funds through false representations, and swindling to acquire public funds. The bill also specifies the penalties for committing theft of public funds, with sentences ranging from up to 24 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 for thefts exceeding $35,000, to lesser penalties for lower amounts. Additionally, it allows for the aggregation of the value of stolen funds over a six-month period for prosecution purposes. The new law is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.