HF2522 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Commissioner of commerce designated to oversee the Commerce Fraud Bureau and automobile theft prevention program.
Related bill: SF2925
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to designate the commissioner of commerce to oversee both the Commerce Fraud Bureau and the automobile theft prevention program in Minnesota. This change is intended to streamline and centralize oversight and accountability for these programs within the commerce sector.
Main Provisions
- Commerce Fraud Bureau Oversight: The bill amends existing statutes to designate the commissioner of commerce as the responsible authority for the Commerce Fraud Bureau. The commissioner will handle functions, programs, personnel, powers, responsibilities, and duties related to this bureau.
- Law Enforcement Appointments: It allows the commissioner to appoint peace officers, establish a law enforcement agency known as the Commerce Fraud Bureau, and carry out investigations and arrests specifically involving insurance-related and financial crimes.
Insurance Fraud Focus: The Commerce Fraud Bureau is required to allocate at least 70% of its activity to dealing with insurance fraud.
Automobile Theft Prevention Program Oversight: The bill adds a subdivision to explicitly assign oversight responsibilities of the automobile theft prevention program to the commissioner of commerce. This includes functions, programs, personnel, powers, responsibilities, and duties relevant to preventing automobile theft.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill centralizes the authority under the commissioner of commerce for the activities of two distinct programs: the Commerce Fraud Bureau and the automobile theft prevention program. Previously, these responsibilities might have been more dispersed, but now they will fall under the direct oversight of the commissioner.
Relevant Terms
- Commerce Fraud Bureau
- Insurance Fraud
- Automobile Theft Prevention Program
- Commissioner of Commerce
- Peace Officers
- Law Enforcement Agency
- Financial Crimes
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 19, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Commerce Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarifies the appointment of peace officers and the establishment of a law enforcement agency, known as the Commerce Fraud Bureau, to conduct investigations and make arrests."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "This bill amends the commissioner's authority and operations of the Commerce Fraud Bureau under section 45.0135, subdivision 2a.",
"modified": [
"Reallocates the Commerce Fraud Bureau's responsibilities to focus at least 70 percent on insurance fraud."
]
},
"citation": "45.0135",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "References definition of peace officers and law enforcement agency pertinent to the operations of the Commerce Fraud Bureau.",
"modified": [
""
]
},
"citation": "626.84",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Authorizes arrest powers related to the Commerce Fraud Bureau operations.",
"modified": [
""
]
},
"citation": "629.30",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "References definition of insurance fraud for guiding Commerce Fraud Bureau activities.",
"modified": [
""
]
},
"citation": "60A.951",
"subdivision": "subdivision 4"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "References statute related to insurance fraud within the jurisdiction of the Commerce Fraud Bureau.",
"modified": [
""
]
},
"citation": "609.611",
"subdivision": ""
}
]