Bill > HF2566

This bill establishes the Minnesota Business Filing Fraud Prevention Act, creating a comprehensive process for removing fraudulent business filings through the Office of the Secretary of State. The bill allows a complainant (someone with a connection to a potentially fraudulent business filing) to submit a declaration of wrongful filing if they believe a business document was filed without authorization and with intent to modify business information or use another person's identity. The Secretary of State must review such declarations, provide notice to both the complainant and the alleged fraudulent filer, and follow a structured process that includes opportunities for response and investigation. If a filing is deemed fraudulent, the office will mark the filing as unauthorized, potentially redact names, and treat the filing as if it never existed - in cases involving unauthorized use of a Minnesota resident's identity, the business would be dissolved. The bill also includes provisions for judicial review, allowing aggrieved parties to appeal the Secretary of State's final order, and establishes data privacy classifications for documents involved in these investigations. Additionally, the bill prohibits deceptive business mailings by requiring clear advertisements that are not designed to look like official government communications, with potential misdemeanor penalties for violations. The legislation also makes conforming changes to existing statutes and includes an appropriation to the Secretary of State's office to administer the new law, with provisions becoming effective January 1, 2026.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2566&ssn=0&y=2025