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SF3171 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

State employees requirement to report evidence of violation of laws governing grants and state contracts

Related bill: HF3100

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to enforce stricter accountability measures for state employees in Minnesota regarding the reporting of legal violations in state grants and contracts. It aims to promote transparency and integrity within state government operations.

Main Provisions

  • Mandatory Reporting: The bill requires state employees to report any evidence or suspicion of violations related to grants and state contracts. Previously, employees were merely encouraged to report such incidents.

  • Reporting Channels: Employees must report to their supervisor, the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee, or the legislative auditor if they encounter violations or suspected violations.

  • Disciplinary Actions: Failure to report such violations will subject the employee to disciplinary actions, which could include termination of employment.

  • Protection for Whistleblowers: Employees who report violations in good faith are protected under section 181.932, which shields them from employer discrimination.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The language in the existing law is amended from encouraging employees to report violations to mandating them to do so.

  • Introduces clear disciplinary consequences for failing to report violations.

  • Ensures that reports to the Legislative Audit Commission contain only the number and type of alleged violations, maintaining confidentiality concerning specific details.

Relevant Terms

  • State employees
  • Reporting violations
  • State grants
  • State contracts
  • Disciplinary action
  • Legislative auditor
  • Whistleblower protection
  • Good faith report

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 31, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toState and Local Government

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Mandates reporting of violations instead of encouraging it."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies reporting requirements for state employees under section 16B.98.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates disciplinary actions for failing to report violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16B.98",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Mandates reporting of violations instead of encouraging it."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the rules for state employees reporting violations of laws governing state contracts under section 16C.045.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies reporting channels and disciplinary consequences."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16C.045",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references employee protections under section 181.932.",
      "modified": [
        "Details on discrimination protections for employees reporting in good faith."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "181.932",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors