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SF2981 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Office of Inspector General within the Department of Education provisions modifications

Related bill: HF2743

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill focuses on modifying government data practices, specifically for the Minnesota Office of the Inspector General within the Department of Education. The changes aim to enhance the processes related to investigation, data handling, and prevention of fraud, theft, waste, and abuse in educational programs.

Main Provisions

  • Access to Records: The Office of the Inspector General is granted access to all necessary data and records related to department programs for investigative purposes, even overriding usual data classification restrictions.
  • Classification and Protection of Data: Data collected during investigations by the Office of the Inspector General are classified as confidential and protected from unauthorized disclosure, unless specified by law or court order.
  • Notice and Appeal Processes: Establishes a process for notifying parties of sanctions, and provides a framework for appealing decisions made by the Inspector General regarding the withholding of funds or program participation.
  • Immunity and Confidentiality: Offers protection and confidentiality to individuals reporting fraud or participating in investigations, including immunity from civil liability for those acting in good faith.
  • Sanctions and Payments: Details the conditions under which sanctions may be applied, including pausing payments or prohibiting program participation if credible evidence of fraud or misuse is identified.
  • Definitions and Roles: Clarifies definitions for terms like fraud, theft, waste, and abuse, and outlines the powers and duties of the Office of the Inspector General.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Expands the authority of the Office of the Inspector General within the Department of Education to access and use government data for investigations.
  • Introduces new protocols for the classification, confidentiality, and disclosure of data during investigations.
  • Codifies processes for sanctioning program participants and establishes an appeals process.
  • Defines clear roles and responsibilities for managing fraud and misuse, enhancing accountability and oversight in educational programs.

Relevant Terms

  • Office of the Inspector General
  • Department of Education
  • Fraud, Theft, Waste, Abuse
  • Data Classification
  • Sanctions and Appeals
  • Confidentiality and Immunity
  • Program Participant

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies items that cannot be designated as directory information such as a student's home address, telephone number, and email address."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modifies provisions related to the designation of educational directory information under section 13.32.",
      "modified": [
        "Describes how educational agencies should manage directory information and notify parents and students."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.32",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes the Office of the Inspector General within the Department of Education in the list of entities covered by this section."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modifies the application of data provisions for entities performing law enforcement functions, including the Office of the Inspector General within the Department of Education, under section 13.82.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates the scope of entities affected under this statute."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.82",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes provisions for data access by the Department of Education's Office of the Inspector General for investigations related to fraud, theft, waste, and abuse."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modifies the classification and sharing of data related to unemployment insurance law under section 268.19.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the agencies with authorized access to unemployment insurance data."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "268.19",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

Sponsors