Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to mandate annual training for Minnesota state employees focused on preventing, recognizing, and reacting to potential fraud or misuse of state resources. This aims to ensure employees are aware of their responsibilities and the legal requirements concerning fraud.

Main Provisions

• Annual Training Requirement: The bill requires that the commissioner of management and budget organizes yearly training sessions for all state employees. These sessions will cover the identification and prevention of fraud, as well as procedures for responding to suspected fraud incidents.

• Employee Acknowledgment: After completing the training, employees must acknowledge that they have participated in the training and understand the consequences of failing to report fraud. This acknowledgment is meant to reinforce accountability and awareness among state employees.

• Legal Obligations and Consequences: The training will also emphasize employees' legal obligations to report fraudulent activities. It will cover the legal penalties associated with the failure to report fraud, specifically referencing penalties related to making payments on fraudulent claims or demands under section 609.455.

Significant Changes

• Increased Focus on Fraud Prevention: The bill introduces a structured approach to fraud prevention and detection for state employees, with clear requirements for annual participation in training.

• Legal and Accountability Measures: By requiring acknowledgment of the training, the bill strengthens the legal and accountability framework within which state employees operate, potentially deterring fraudulent activity through informed compliance.

Relevant Terms

fraud prevention, state employees, annual training, misuse of state funds, employee accountability, legal requirements, reporting fraud, section 609.455