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HF2420 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Commission on Governmental Efficiency and Ethics established to investigate allegations of fraud in state programs and undisclosed legislative conflicts of interest, report required, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF2897

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a "Commission on Government Efficiency and Ethics" in Minnesota to investigate allegations of fraud in state programs and undisclosed legislative conflicts of interest. The commission is tasked with promoting transparency and integrity within state government operations and the legislative process.

Main Provisions

  1. Creation of the Commission:

    • The commission will comprise six members: three citizens appointed by the Speaker of the House and three by the House Minority Leader, subject to approval by Senate leaders.
    • Appointed members cannot be current or former candidates for elected political office.

  2. Reporting and Rewards:

    • A website and hotline will be established for anonymous reporting of suspected fraud or undisclosed conflicts of interest.
    • Individuals whose reports lead to convictions, successful civil actions, or legislative expulsions may receive rewards up to $5,000.

  3. Investigations and Audits:

    • The commission can initiate investigations and forensic audits, with private investigators handling inquiries.
    • Public officials and relevant parties are required to cooperate with investigations, providing access to necessary documents and information.

  4. Forensic Audits:

    • A full forensic audit of any state agency or grantee can be ordered, focusing on the effectiveness of internal controls and detection of fraud or waste.

  5. Reporting Requirements:

    • On finding credible evidence, the commission must report to law enforcement and relevant legislative committees.
    • An annual report with recommendations for preventing fraud and conflicts of interest is required.

  6. Meetings and Support:

    • The commission's meetings, except those discussing confidential matters, are subject to open meeting laws.
    • Administrative support will be provided by the Legislative Coordinating Commission.

  7. Compensation:

    • Members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for expenses if approved by the chair.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Amends audit requirements in Minnesota Statutes to include provisions for cooperation with ethics investigations by the Commission.
  • Introduces mandatory forensic audit clauses in grant agreements, ensuring compliance with commission-led investigations.

Relevant Terms

  • Commission on Government Efficiency and Ethics
  • Fraud
  • Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest
  • Forensic Audit
  • Legislative Transparency
  • State Programs Fraud
  • Ethics in Government

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toState Government Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes private investigators under contract with the Commission on Government Efficiency and Ethics as authorized examiners."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the audit requirements for grant agreements made by executive agencies under section 16B.98.",
      "modified": [
        "Audit authority implications for grant agreements that do not include an express audit clause."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16B.98",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 8"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill refers to the commissioners' plan for expense reimbursement under section 43A.18.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "43A.18",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors