Theft of public funds stand-alone crime establishment provision

This bill creates a new specific crime called theft of public funds in Minnesota, targeting individuals who steal or defraud money held by government entities or third parties administering public programs. The law defines public funds as all money held or administered by government entities and outlines three main ways someone can commit this crime: intentionally taking public funds without consent, deceiving officials to obtain funds through false claims or promises, or using tricks or schemes to secure public money. Penalties depend on the amount stolen, with sentences ranging from up to six years and fines up to $10,000 for smaller amounts to up to 24 years and fines up to $100,000 for larger thefts, and multiple offenses within six months can be combined for sentencing. The new crime would only apply to actions committed on or after August 1, 2026.