MN HF3445

Establishes new definition and requirements for "policy pronouncements" as written guidance documents that interpret or clarify statutes and rules, requiring commissioner approval, public notice with 30-day comment period, and mandatory five-year reviews to remain valid.

Agencies must submit policies to legislature by January 15 annually and post all policies on websites within 60 days of completion; policies cannot take effect until after the legislative session adjourns in the year notice was received.

Creates independent centralized office under commissioner of management and budget to receive and investigate complaints of harassment, misconduct, and discrimination in executive branch agencies, with authority to determine corrective actions and track disciplinary outcomes.

Office duties include collecting complaint data and providing public reports, administering employee surveys, conducting audits of agency policies, providing consistent training programs on harassment prevention, and submitting annual reports to legislature by January 15 starting in 2019.

Allows prevailing parties in administrative law judge proceedings to recover fees and expenses unless special circumstances make the award unjust or the party's conduct unduly protracted the proceedings.