HF2743

HF2743 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Office of the Inspector General provisions modified; access to records provided; data classified; immunity and confidentiality in reporting or participating in an investigation provided; process for notice, appeal, and withholding of payments established; and fraud, theft, waste, and abuse definitions modified.

Related bill: SF2981

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill is designed to enhance data practices and strengthen the oversight and integrity of the Minnesota Department of Education through the establishment and empowerment of the Office of the Inspector General. It aims to improve accountability by allowing for more robust investigation and prevention of fraud, theft, waste, and abuse within department programs.

Main Provisions and Goals

Establishment of the Office of the Inspector General: The bill creates an Office within the Department of Education tasked with investigating and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse in department programs.
Data Classification and Access: The Office of the Inspector General gains the authority to access necessary records for investigations, with the classification of data remaining confidential during the inquiry process.
Protection for Whistleblowers: The bill provides immunity and confidentiality protections for individuals reporting fraudulent activities.
Reporting Requirements: Institutes mandatory reporting on the diversity of the state's teacher workforce and recommends state-funded programs to increase racial and ethnic diversity.
Sanctions and Appeals Process: Introduces a structured process for imposing sanctions on program participants found engaging in misconduct, including fraud or waste, and outlines the appeals process.
Coordination with Other Agencies: Establishes processes for sharing data with other state departments such as the Department of Human Services, enhancing cross-agency collaboration in fraud prevention.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Data Practices Adjustments: Adjusts how data is used and shared, particularly between the Office of the Inspector General and other governmental agencies.
Legal Definitions Expanded: Clarifies definitions related to fraud, theft, waste, and abuse specifically within the context of educational programs.
Withholding of Payments: Details circumstances under which payments to program participants may be withheld pending investigations.
Regulatory Adjustments: Amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to align with the enhanced oversight and investigatory roles of the Office of the Inspector General.

Relevant Terms

Inspector General
Fraud, Theft, Waste, and Abuse
Data Classification
Whistleblower Protection
Educational Accountability
Sanctions and Appeal Process
Diversity in Education

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Past committee meetings

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law on: April 02, 2025 10:15

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
March 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on public access under federal law."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies directory information data practices for education records under section 13.32.",
      "modified": [
        "Processes for parental notice and consent."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.32",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of new offices within the application scope."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the application of data practices to law enforcement agencies.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustment of agency lists under section 13.82."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "13.82",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of physical education under rigorous academic standards."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation modifies rulemaking for educational standards.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on statewide academic standards rulemaking processes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirements for collaborating with the Office of Higher Education."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill changes reporting requirements related to teacher diversity programs.",
      "modified": [
        "Deadline and scope for diversity reporting."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.117",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section addresses the establishment and powers of the Inspector General within the Department of Education.",
      "modified": [
        "Expanded scope of responsibilities for fraud detection."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "127A.21",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Conditions under which the Inspector General can access records."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amendment to access to records during investigations.",
      "modified": [
        "Processes for providing records to Inspector General."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "127A.21",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specific agencies that can access unemployment data."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Modification of data use and sharing regulations under unemployment insurance laws.",
      "modified": [
        "Conditions and exceptions for data privacy under unemployment insurance laws."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "268.19",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]