Office of Inspector General provisions modified within the Department of Education; Office of the Inspector General records access provided; data classified; immunity and confidentiality in reporting or participating in an investigation provided; and process for notice, appeal, and withholding of payments established;

This bill modifies the rules for the Office of the Inspector General within the Minnesota Department of Education to strengthen its ability to detect and prevent fraud, theft, waste, and abuse in state-funded programs. The legislation grants the office confidential access to investigative data and provides immunity and confidentiality protections for individuals who report misconduct or participate in investigations. It also establishes a formal process for notifying parties, appealing decisions, and withholding payments when necessary. Additionally, the bill expands the legal definitions of fraud and abuse to include specific actions like submitting false information or engaging in behavior that a prudent person would consider unreasonable.