MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE: Office of Inspector General Bill Returns to House Ways and Means Committee

ST. PAUL, MN (April 19, 2026)

The Minnesota House will take up legislation to establish a statewide Office of Inspector General during a scheduled hearing Monday, April 20, in the Ways and Means Committee, marking another attempt to advance a proposal that has faced continued delays in the chamber.

The bill, SF 856 / HF 1338, would create an independent Office of the Inspector General responsible for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse across state programs. Under the current proposal, the office would operate within the executive branch but function independently, reporting directly to the governor.

Representative Matt Norris, a DFL lawmaker from Blaine and a House sponsor, said negotiations on the bill are ongoing.

“I think there are some really good conversations that are happening on this bill,” Norris said. “A few remaining sticking points. I am optimistic that we can resolve those remaining sticking points.”

Norris indicated the bill is unlikely to advance out of Ways and Means at this stage, citing the absence of a finalized fiscal note detailing the cost of establishing and operating the office.

Scope and Structure of the Proposal

The legislation outlines a centralized oversight body with authority to investigate misuse of public funds across state agencies. Key provisions include:

• Independent oversight authority, structured to operate outside existing agencies to reduce conflicts of interest
• Creation of an Anti-Fraud and Misuse Bureau, with authority to conduct statewide criminal investigations and make arrests
• Appointment of the inspector general through a legislative advisory commission, with statutory requirements for nonpartisan qualifications

Supporters argue the structure is intended to consolidate and strengthen fraud enforcement efforts that are currently distributed across multiple agencies.

Legislative and Fiscal Challenges

Despite bipartisan interest in strengthening fraud prevention, the bill has encountered repeated obstacles in the House. The primary issue remains the lack of a completed fiscal analysis, which is required before legislation can advance through the Ways and Means Committee.

Lawmakers have also raised concerns about potential overlap with existing entities, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Office of the Legislative Auditor, both of which currently investigate aspects of fraud and misuse of public funds.

Additional debate has focused on the design of the office, including how to maintain independence while ensuring coordination with existing enforcement and auditing functions. Earlier versions of the bill prompted discussion over whether the office would have sufficient enforcement authority or whether its structure could create duplication within state government.

Legislative History

The proposal has been under consideration across multiple sessions. The Minnesota Senate previously passed a version of the bill with a 60–7 vote, but the measure did not advance through the House before adjournment.

During the current session, the bill has moved through several House committees, including State Government Finance and Policy, Judiciary, and Human Services, before reaching Ways and Means.

Next Steps

Monday’s hearing represents a required step in the House process, but further action will depend on resolving outstanding fiscal questions and securing sufficient support for advancement to the House floor.

No timeline has been announced for a final vote.

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