Bill > SF2672

This bill enhances penalties and responsibilities for state government employees and officials regarding fraudulent payment prevention. The legislation modifies two existing statutes to increase consequences for knowingly processing false or fraudulent claims against the state. Specifically, the bill increases the maximum criminal penalty for public officers or employees who audit, allow, or pay false claims from five to seven years in prison and raises the potential fine from $10,000 to $20,000. The bill also expands the definition of a "claim or demand" to include various types of public fund payments such as government grants, contract payments, and specifically named appropriations. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement that if an employee reports potential misuse of public funds related to a claim, the official must not disburse funds until a complete investigation by the attorney general or legislative auditor determines the claim is not in violation of the law. These changes aim to strengthen accountability and reduce the risk of fraudulent financial transactions within state government by imposing stricter oversight and more significant penalties for misconduct.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2672&ssn=0&y=2025