One year ago Friday, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill concerning one of the highest-profile issues of this legislative biennium.
After months of stakeholder meetings — including representatives of all four legislative caucuses — to create an independent watchdog, the House finally passed a bill Thursday to create an Office of the Inspector General. The vote was 127-5.
Fully operational by Sept. 1, 2027, the office would oversee current agency-based inspectors general and investigate credible allegations of fraud or misuse in state-administered programs.
“This is a powerful office meant to address a critical concern: fraud against our public programs. Fraud in any form is unacceptable, and we should have zero tolerance for it here in Minnesota,” said Rep. Matt Norris (DFL-Blaine). “… This bill will help send a clear message that the days of defrauding Minnesota’s public programs is over.”
— UPDATED at 4:40 p.m.
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Incl...
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