Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance accountability and transparency within Minnesota's state government by establishing the Office of the Inspector General. This independent entity is tasked with overseeing state agencies and programs to ensure they operate with integrity.

Main Provisions

• Creation of the Office: The bill establishes a new Office of the Inspector General, designed to function as an independent watchdog over various state departments and programs. The Inspector General will report to the chief administrative law judge, ensuring autonomy from both executive and legislative pressures.

• Responsibilities: The Inspector General is authorized to investigate reports of fraud and misuse within state agencies. Public reports on these issues, identified as such in chapter 15D, must be referred to the Inspector General by the legislative auditor.

• Advisory Committee and Reporting Requirements: The bill mandates the creation of an advisory committee and the submission of reports aimed at maintaining transparency and efficiency.

• Transfer of Duties: Some responsibilities currently held by other agencies are to be transferred to the newly established Office of the Inspector General to streamline processes.

• Funding: The bill includes provisions for the appropriation of funds necessary to establish and maintain the office.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amendments to Current Statutes: Several existing statutes, including sections related to agency duties and public reporting, are amended to accommodate the creation and integration of the Office of the Inspector General.

• Repeal of Statutes: Certain existing provisions, such as Minnesota Statutes sections 13.321 subdivision 12 and 127A.21, are repealed to make way for new regulations under the Office of the Inspector General.

Relevant Terms

inspector general, state government accountability, fraud, misuse, transparency, state agencies, legislative auditor, administrative law judge, advisory committee, appropriations, statute amendments, independence, public reports.