Bill > SF475

This bill modifies Minnesota's whistleblower protection laws by adding new definitions and expanding protections for public employees who report misconduct. The bill introduces precise definitions for "abuse" (actions resulting in unnecessary costs to government programs), "fraud" (intentional deception to acquire property or money improperly), and "waste" (practices resulting in unnecessary costs). The key modification expands whistleblower protections to explicitly cover public employees who, in good faith, report fraud, waste, or abuse to employers, governmental bodies, law enforcement, legislative auditors, legislators, or constitutional officers. The bill removes previous language that limited certain reporting protections to state employees in the classified service and broadens the scope of protected communications about public services and their financing. Importantly, the bill maintains existing provisions that protect employees from retaliation for reporting potential legal violations, participating in investigations, refusing unlawful orders, and reporting healthcare service quality concerns. The legislation aims to encourage transparency and accountability in public sector employment by providing clear legal protections for employees who report potential misconduct through appropriate channels.

Government Affairs, Justice, Labor and Employment

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0475&ssn=0&y=2025