Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1240

Introduced
2/20/25  
Refer
2/20/25  

Caption

Policy related to the legislative auditor modified.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws governing the operations of the legislative auditor, specifically addressing the responsibilities of obligated officers within organizations subject to audit. It mandates that public officials, organizations, and individuals engaged with public funds cooperate fully with the legislative auditor's inquiries and audits. This cooperation includes providing comprehensive access to records and data necessary for the audits, thereby strengthening the mechanisms in place to prevent and address the misuse of public resources.

Summary

House File 1240 is a legislative proposal aimed at modifying various policies related to the legislative auditor in the state of Minnesota. The bill intends to structure the functions, responsibilities, and operational protocols of the legislative auditor's office while ensuring accountability and oversight of public funds. Notably, it introduces amendments to existing statutes to better define the roles of the legislative auditor and deputy auditors, establishing specific divisions like Financial Audits and Special Reviews to enhance the compliance framework.

Contention

While the bill appears to bolster accountability and transparency within state government, there are potential points of contention regarding the balance of power between the legislative auditor and state agencies. Critics may argue that the increased oversight mechanisms could lead to bureaucratic overreach, potentially stifling operational independence and innovation within public agencies. Additionally, the repeal of existing statutes that previously defined roles for the legislative auditor necessitates careful evaluation to ensure that essential checks and balances remain intact, avoiding any loss of institutional knowledge or effectiveness.

Companion Bills

MN SF1772

Similar To Policy related to the legislative auditor modification

Previously Filed As

MN HF2770

Appointment authority modified for members of legislative audit commission and party affiliation clarified for chair and vice-chair of commission, and requirements for complying with audit by Office of Legislative Auditor modified.

MN HF4309

Classification treatment of temporary positions for purposes of Public Labor Relations Act modified.

MN SF4375

Public Labor Relations Act temporary positions classification treatment modifications

MN SF1424

Omnibus State Government policy bill

MN SF2668

Appointment authority modification for certain members of the legislative audit commission and party affiliation clarification for the chair and vice-chair of the commission

MN SF5291

Legislative auditor permission to bring a civil or criminal complaint

MN HF4692

Direct Care and Treatment agency established; date for transfer of authority and responsibility modified; board membership qualifications, procedures, powers, and duties established; chief executive officer powers and duties established; accounts established; social welfare fund terms modified; effective dates modified; and initial appointments provided.

MN SF2979

State government appropriations provisions modifications

MN HF1826

State and local government policy bill.

MN HF4738

Office of Emergency Medical Services established to replace Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, duties specified and transferred, advisory council established, alternative EMS response model pilot program established, conforming changes made, provisions modified relating to ambulance service personnel and emergency medical responders, emergency ambulance service aid provided, report required, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

MN HF916

Tax expenditure provisions modified, and past tax expenditure purpose statements provided.

MN HF3284

REAL ID implementation law repealed.

MN SF3492

REAL ID implementation law repealer

MN HF20

Wage credits modified and reimbursement provided, general fund transfers authorized, unemployment insurance aid provided, report required, and money appropriated.

MN SF32

Wage credits modification and reimbursement provision; unemployment insurance aid establishment and appropriation

MN SF4803

Various independent school district construction projects sales and use tax exemption provision and appropriation

MN HF4840

Refundable sales and use tax exemptions provided for independent school district construction projects.

MN HF2320

Children's cabinet modified; Department of Children, Youth, and Families established; Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and Department of Public Safety responsibilities transferred to Department of Children, Youth, and Families; reports required; rulemaking authorized; and money appropriated.