SF4033

Purpose

• Expand the responsibilities of the state auditor. The bill amends Minnesota statutes to broaden the state auditor’s duties beyond traditional auditing.

Key Provisions

• Amend Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 6.01 to read as follows:
  • DUTIES: The state auditor shall supervise and manage the fiscal concerns of the state as required by law.
  • The state auditor may execute on behalf of the state assignments and satisfactions of judgments rendered in its favor.
  • The state auditor has the authority to investigate fraud and audit state agencies.
  • SEAL: The state auditor shall have a seal bearing the words “Seal of the Auditor of Minnesota” and must affix it to all official certificates and conveyances executed by the state auditor.
  • Fraud reporting tools: The state auditor shall develop and implement a fraud complaint line for individuals to report suspected fraud, and shall implement an electronic tip form for use by the public.

Main Changes

• Expands the scope of the state auditor’s role to include:
  • Managing the state's fiscal concerns (in addition to auditing).
  • Having authority to carry out assignments and handle satisfactions of judgments on behalf of the state.
  • Formal authority to investigate fraud and audit state agencies.
  • Reaffirms the requirement to maintain a state auditor seal on official documents.
  • Establishes new fraud reporting channels (a fraud complaint line and an electronic tip form) for public reporting.

Impact on State Law

• This bill adds and clarifies duties for the state auditor within the existing framework of Minnesota Statutes, creating new mechanisms for fraud reporting and expanding the auditor’s powers related to fiscal matters, judgments, and investigations.

Relevant Terms - state auditor - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 6.01 - DUTIES - SEAL / seal of the Auditor of Minnesota - investigations of fraud - audit state agencies - fiscal concerns of the state - assignments and satisfactions of judgments - fraud complaint line - electronic tip form