Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to establish a comprehensive system to prevent individuals or businesses involved in fraud or with outstanding debts from receiving state government contracts or payments in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Do Not Pay Database: The bill proposes the creation of a "do not pay" database that tracks individuals and businesses prohibited from receiving state funds.
• Eligibility Criteria: Individuals who have passed away, been convicted of or are suspected of committing fraud against the state, or owe money to the state, will be added to this database.
• Inter-agency Contributions: All state agencies must contribute relevant information to help maintain this database by providing names and data when they identify someone as deceased, involved in fraud, or indebted to the state.
• Requirement for Verification: Before any contract is signed or payment is made, state agencies are required to verify the eligibility of the vendor or recipient against the database to ensure they are not listed as ineligible.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a new approach by formally requiring the creation and maintenance of a database to centralize information regarding individuals and businesses ineligible for state contracts or payments due to past fraudulent behavior or outstanding debts. This is a significant enhancement to financial oversight in state government operations.

Relevant Terms

Do not pay database, state contracts, state payments, fraud, outstanding debts, Minnesota Statutes chapter 16A, ineligible recipients, financial oversight.