MN SF5436

Expands authority to hire staff, including a deputy inspector general and assistant inspectors general, and requires development of a public platform for reporting fraud, waste, or abuse of Department of Education funds.

Grants inspector general and designees power to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance, and issue subpoenas duces tecum for relevant documents, with subpoena fees paid according to district court procedures and enforcement through district court.

Authorizes Office of the Inspector General access to routing and account numbers from other state agencies, and access to all books, accounts, documents, data, and property related to Department of Education-funded programs held by the department, state agencies, school districts, charter schools, and private entities.

Permits inspector general to recommend sanctions to the commissioner based on criminal convictions, credible indicia of fraud, or preponderance of evidence findings, including ending program participation, stopping funds, or terminating contracts; allows temporary sanctions during investigations.

Provides appeal rights through contested case hearings within 30 days of notice, defines fraud, waste, or abuse to include false claims, false statements, suspension by other agencies, and record access refusal, and clarifies that data sharing does not violate confidentiality laws while subjecting inspector general to Government Data Practices Act protections.