This Minnesota House bill proposes the creation of the State Agency Value Initiative (SAVI) Program, aimed at encouraging innovation and cost-saving measures within state agencies, including Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. The bill allows agencies to retain 50% of unspent operational funds at the end of a biennium, provided these savings result from efficiency initiatives. These retained funds must be used for projects that align with the agency's mission and must not create future financial obligations beyond available funding.

Each participating agency must establish a peer review panel, consisting of both department employees responsible for cost-saving initiatives and managers, to oversee the allocation of SAVI funds. The agency must publicly post project funding decisions on its website for at least 30 days, and the commissioner of management and budget must approve expenditures from the SAVI fund. Additionally, all proposed projects require review and recommendation by the Legislative Advisory Commission before approval.

Funds are deposited into a SAVI-dedicated account within the agency’s special revenue fund or another designated fund. The agency is responsible for managing and reviewing projects funded through this account, with the money being appropriated specifically for this program.

This bill also amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16A.28, subdivision 3, to ensure consistency with the SAVI program's provisions.