Senate advances bill to create independent state inspector general, amid debate over Medicaid and agency jurisdiction

Senators advanced a bill to create a statewide Office of Inspector General to oversee fraud, waste and misuse in Minnesota’s public programs, but the committee stopped short of final approval and sent the measure on for more work.

Senate File 856, authored by Senator Gustafson and co-presented by Senator Croon, passed an A39 amendment and was re‑referred to the State and Local Government Committee without recommendation after senators expressed concern that language in the fourth engrossment and the amendment together would limit the new OIG’s ability to investigate some human services programs.

Supporters said a centralized, independent OIG would strengthen oversight and provide tools agencies currently lack. "This is a bill that will establish an independent office of the inspector general to strengthen oversight, enhance accountability, and prevent fraud, waste, and misuse in Minnesota's public programs," Senator Gustafson said. Co‑author Senator Croon called the proposal…