MN HF1745

Establishes a director of grants management and oversight position within the Department of Administration, appointed by the commissioner, requiring demonstrated professional experience in auditing and legal compliance related to grantmaking in large, complex organizations.

Director must create general grants management policies and procedures applicable to all executive agencies, serve as central point of contact for statewide grants management, oversee grants technology systems, and approve professional service contracts related to agency grants activities.

Requires granting agencies to administer grants using director-approved technology systems, conduct in-person monitoring of grantees, collect financial documentation, verify grantee qualifications, and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature using a standardized form established by the director.

Mandates state employees to report discovered violations of grant laws or rules to their supervisor, the director, or the legislative auditor, with whistleblower protections provided under Minnesota Statutes section 181.932.

Director must determine by July 1, 2024, whether shared grants management technology systems are cost-effective; if not, must propose an alternative enterprise-wide reporting system for public accountability and transparency across all agencies, with appointment deadline of October 1, 2023.