Bill > SF447

This bill establishes a consumer protection restitution account to manage funds recovered through consumer enforcement actions by the Attorney General. The bill creates a new special revenue account where 50% of certain recovered funds (up to $1 million annually) will be deposited. These funds will be used to distribute compensation to eligible consumers who were directly impacted by unlawful business practices. Key provisions include creating a systematic process for identifying and compensating affected consumers, with detailed rules about how money can be distributed, prioritized, and managed. The bill also includes provisions to exclude these compensation payments from certain income calculations for tax and benefit purposes, ensuring recipients are not penalized for receiving restitution. The Attorney General will be required to publish an annual report detailing the account's activities, including information about enforcement actions, distributions, and administrative costs. The bill specifically states that there is no private right of action related to the account, and the Attorney General retains full authority to collect and enforce compensation orders. The account is designed to provide a transparent and efficient mechanism for returning funds to consumers harmed by illegal business practices, while ensuring administrative costs remain low.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0447&ssn=0&y=2025