Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to improve the management of state grants in Minnesota by requiring specific training and certification for state employees handling grants. It also seeks to enforce stricter oversight and monitoring of grantees to prevent misuse of funds and ensure compliance with grant agreements.

Main Provisions

1. Training and Certification for State Employees: State employees involved in any aspect of grants management must undergo training and be certified. This includes tasks from developing requests for proposals to final evaluation of grantee performance.

2. Responsibilities of the Commissioner: The Commissioner of Minnesota's management processes is tasked with:

   • Creating and maintaining general policies and procedures for grant management.
   • Certifying employees who demonstrate adequate knowledge in grants management.
   • Providing a central point of contact for issues and comments concerning grants management violations and fraud.

3. Grant Management Oversight: The bill stipulates that employees must be certified to manage grants, with a possible temporary exception of up to 30 days until they receive certification.

4. Monitoring of Grantees: For grants over $50,000, at least one unannounced in-person monitoring visit is mandatory to ensure compliance. Grantees of more than $250,000 require one unannounced visit per fiscal year.

5. Documentation and Reporting: Instances of non-compliance by grantees must be documented and addressed, with serious violations reported to the Commissioner and possibly law enforcement.

6. Handling Fraud Cases: If evidence of fraud or unlawful fund usage is found, it must be reported to law enforcement, and payments can be withheld.

7. Sanctions for Non-compliance: Grantees found guilty of specific violations can be suspended or barred from receiving state grants for up to three years, subject to an administrative hearing.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces mandatory training and certification for state employees dealing with grants, which was not previously required.
• There are new requirements for in-person monitoring visits and detailed procedures for handling non-compliance and suspected fraud.
• The Commissioner is given clear duties and the authority to develop and enforce grants management policies.

Relevant Terms

• Grants management
• Certification
• Compliance
• Monitoring visits
• Fraud
• Suspension and debarment
• Accountability