Purpose of the Bill

The bill seeks to create an Office of the Inspector General in Minnesota to enhance accountability, transparency, and integrity within state agencies and programs.

Main Provisions

• Creation of the Office of the Inspector General: This office will serve as an independent entity that monitors and ensures proper conduct within state operations.
• Independence: The Inspector General will operate independently from executive branch agencies, reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Law Judge.
• Coordination with Legislative Auditor: The Inspector General may collaborate with the Legislative Auditor to investigate reports of fraud and misuse, promoting resource conservation and preventing duplication.
• Salaries and Transparency: The bill mandates the listing and public availability of agency head salaries on the department's website, including that of the Inspector General.

Significant Changes

• New Statute Addition: The law introduces Minnesota Statutes chapter 15D to formally establish the Office of the Inspector General.
• Transfer of Duties: Certain agency responsibilities will be transferred to the new office to centralize and streamline oversight.
• Repeals and Amendments: Statutes are amended to incorporate the Inspector General within the structure of government oversight. Specific existing statutes, like sections 13.321 subdivision 12, and 127A.21, are repealed or amended to align with the new structure.

Relevant Terms

• Inspector General, accountability, transparency, state agencies, fraud, misuse, legislative auditor, Chief Administrative Law Judge, independent entity, executive branch, statutory amendment.