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After yearlong push, House passes inspector general bill aimed at combating fraud

By Mike Cook
Rep. Matt Norris, center, who sponsors HF1338/SF856*, and Rep. Patti Anderson consult with Speaker Pro Tempore Bjorn Olson, left, and Chief Clerk Patrick Murphy during a May 7 floor recess. (Photo by Andrew VonBank)
Rep. Matt Norris, center, who sponsors HF1338/SF856*, and Rep. Patti Anderson consult with Speaker Pro Tempore Bjorn Olson, left, and Chief Clerk Patrick Murphy during a May 7 floor recess. (Photo by Andrew VonBank)

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.”
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