Transcript Highlights:

• ARE THERE ANY REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEES? >> NONE ON THE DESK, MR. PRESIDENT. >> Sen.
• Albritton: ARE THERE REPORTS RELATED TO COMMITTEE REFERENCE? >> NOT ON THE DESK, MR.

Bills: SJR18, SCR9, SCR13, SB10, SB11, SB19, SB20, SB25, SB62, SB260, SB263, SB293, SB314, SB384, SB412, SB441, SB442, SB494, SB523, SB569, SB616, SB688, SB707, SB766, SB842, SB869, SB890, SB914, SB929, SB971, SB992, SB1066, SB1145, SB1621, SJR36, SJR18, SCR9, SCR13, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB372, SB495, SB842, SB971, SB1066, SB929, SB765, SB523, SB62, SB19, SB18, SB666, SB688, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB869, SB890, SB992, SB1145, SB494, SB290, SB766, SB11, SB10, SB13, SB263, SB412, SB20, SB441, SB442, SB1621, SB569, SB314, SB25, SB293, SB914, SB260, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB20, SB25, SB260, SB293, SB314, SB384, SB442, SB494, SB616, SB869, SB890, SB929, SB992, SB1145, SB1621, SR232, SR237, SR242, SB16, SB22

Keywords: capital gains, taxation, constitutional amendment, state revenue, individual investment, Supreme Court, judicial independence, Keep Nine, checks and balances, water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, education, Ten Commandments, public schools, religious display

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:11.839> case particularly mentioned in a fraud case particularly mentioned in a fraud
• a place for the public in fighting fraud a place for the public in fighting fraud oh<00:24:16.919
• are systems in place to catch fraud are systems in place to catch fraud waste<00:24:29.440> and
• we have reporting forms our website we have reporting forms where<00:25:59.840> you<00:25:59.919
• We need to calculate in risk of fraud.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The program covered the start of the 94th Minnesota Legislature, where the evenly split Senate adopted a bipartisan power-sharing agreement, Senate Resolution 1, by unanimous support. The agreement, reached in honor of the late Sen. Kari Dziedzic, sets up co-presiding officers, co-chairs and evenly split committees, and will remain in place until one party gains a majority. Republican Sen. Jeremy Miller and DFL Sen. Bobby Joe Champion were elected as co-presiding officers under the arrangement. A major segment focused on fraud, waste, and abuse in Minnesota and proposals to strengthen oversight. DFL Sen. Gerson discussed a bill to create an independent Office of Inspector General to oversee public and private entities receiving taxpayer dollars, arguing it would fill a gap and work alongside existing agencies such as the Office of the State Auditor, the attorney general, and the BCA. He said the issue has bipartisan concern and that the bill is intended to protect taxpayer money and the people who rely on public programs. Republican Sen. John Jasinski also said fraud is a serious problem, citing cases such as Feeding Our Future, child care assistance, and Medicaid-related fraud, and arguing that every dollar matters and stronger checks and balances are needed. He expressed support for anti-fraud efforts if they are independent and bipartisan, and pointed to the House’s new fraud oversight committee as a promising step. State Auditor Julie Blaha added that her office focuses on local government accountability, said workforce shortages are a major challenge, and emphasized that tips from the public and public employees are often the best way fraud is detected.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, they need to be held um, immune too from suspected fraud reporting.
• <01:58:18.600> reporting<01:58:19.000> bill mandatory insurance fraud reporting bill
• mandatory insurance fraud reporting bill before<01:58:19.560> you.
• So, uh, the House Bill fraud reporting.
• It is time to crack down on fraud reporting and have it in the insurance statutes as mandatory reporting

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fraud fraud taking<00:02:08.679> those<00:02:08.880> dollars<00:02:09.679> spending
• So, this is not just fraud that is involving public money. This is tax fraud across all sectors.
• in just in general already do tax fraud in just in general tax<00:12:39.960> fraud.
• So, like any uh public fund fraud.
• prevent the fraud from happening. Um Ms. prevent the fraud from happening. Um Ms.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 5040, the “Take It Back Act,” presented by Representative Anderson. The bill, as amended by the DE1 amendment, would impose a 100% tax on amounts a person is convicted of stealing through fraud against Minnesota public programs, with the stated goal of recovering taxpayer dollars. Anderson said the measure is bipartisan, has many co-authors, and was developed with the Department of Revenue to ensure it could be administered without undue burden. Joanna Bears of the Department of Revenue testified in support of the bill’s administration and thanked the authors for working with the department. She explained that the bill has two parts: a conviction-based tax that would be assessed after a fraud conviction, and a penalty piece tied to fraud identified through the department’s existing review and tip processes. In response to member questions, Bears said the department already receives tips and information from other agencies, reviews them carefully, and would use the bill as another tool to address public fund fraud. Members also asked about timing, restitution, and whether the bill could be misused by bad-faith tips; Anderson and Bears said the conviction-based portion is not tip-driven and that the bill is intended to be administered legally and efficiently. Representative Smith asked about the relationship to the Fraud Restitution Fund and whether the bill would apply to private-sector tax fraud. Bears said restitution would likely be collected first depending on statutory priority, and clarified that the new 100% penalty would apply only to public fund fraud, not general tax fraud, and only to the fraudulent public-fund amount. Representative Witty and others expressed support for the bill as a tool to combat fraud. At the end of the hearing, Representative Anderson renewed her motion to lay over House File 5040, as amended, for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill, and the chair indicated that was the plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we know that misclassification fraud is a problem that is growing.
• Um we know that misclassification fraud is a problem that is growing.
• Uh, Sarah" "Misclassification fraud is growing.
• Uh, Sarah" "Report.
• So then I'm going to, at the minimum, the study and report must provide... ...report must provide, and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fraud protections. fraud protections.
• to mitigate fraud. to mitigate fraud.
• And this would be to require annual reporting to the legislature on enrollment fraud trends and mitigation
• to the legislature on reporting to the legislature on enrollment<00:18:48.799> fraud<00:18:49.120
• trying to stop this fraud? trying to stop this fraud?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:46.880> and progress reports and progress reports and Reconciliation<00:15:48.639><
• 12.5 billion in Americans have reported 12.5 billion in individual<01:20:37.000> fraud<01:20:
• Medicaid fraud control unit.
• Medicaid fraud control unit.
• model of fraud.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . reports. reports.
• about the fraud. about the fraud.
• whistleblower reports. whistleblower reports.
• I reported fraud to him, and what he did is call up the person I was reporting on and said, "Faye Bernstein
• would address fraud. would address fraud.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We issue not only this federal report, but also a report entitled the 8.15 report.
• . report. report.
• I just see the Medicaid Fraud Control Units Annual Report Fiscal 2025 that was issued on 3/18/2026.
• concerned about fraud. concerned about fraud.
• The report must include detailed information on the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, including

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While it says fraud is not free and it would encourage individuals to report fraud, to limit fraud, it
• What it would do is cause people to not want to report fraud and to hide mistakes because if you make
• with the fraud. with the fraud.
• It's says if fraud is suspected, the agency must report that. A correction action must be in place.
• agency says if fraud is suspected, the agency must<02:43:48.200> report<02:43:48.600> that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my pleasure to present this bill to you, a bill on mandatory fraud reporting.
• Section 1 of the bill requires agencies to report fraud if an employee of a state agency has reason to
• <00:02:57.959> fraud must report fraud must report fraud if<00:03:00.360> an<00:03:
• One of the things I think as this moves along too maybe we should consider that when fraud is reported
• there's an issue report a fraud we know there's an issue going<00:10:46.040> on<00:10:46.839>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House State Government Finance and Policy Committee met on January 23, 2025, approved the minutes from January 21, and took up House File 2, a bill on mandatory fraud reporting and grant oversight. Representative Davis described the bill as requiring state agencies to report suspected fraud to law enforcement and legislative leaders, post organizational charts online, conduct unannounced site visits for grant recipients, require reporting of grant violations, and suspend or terminate grant agreements when recipients are charged with or convicted of related crimes. No testifiers were present. Committee members asked about how the reporting requirements would work, whether the bill should reference inspectors general or other law enforcement channels, and whether whistleblower protections would cover employees making reports. Representative Joy suggested the bill should halt funding immediately when fraud is reported, while Representative Ston raised the possibility of including contract employees. The committee administrator said the general whistleblower statute likely applies, but would follow up if needed. Representative Anderson noted that the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits was listed as an opponent and asked about any outreach; Representative Davis said he was surprised and had not been contacted directly. The chair said the bill would be laid over because no fiscal note was yet available, and encouraged further discussion with members and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits before the bill returns. The chair then moved on to a brief discussion of the governor’s budget proposal, noting that several agencies had declined to appear, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I said in my testimony, we are aware of over a million dollars of reported crypto kiosk fraud losses
• As I said in my testimony, we are aware of over a million dollars of reported crypto kiosk fraud losses
• As I said in my testimony, we are aware of over a million dollars of reported crypto kiosk fraud losses
• As I said in my testimony, we are aware of over a million dollars of reported crypto kiosk fraud losses
• crypto kiosk fraud losses just in terms of the complaints that have been reported to us.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3642, as amended by the DE1, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The author, Chair Kaggel, said the bill is intended to stop scammers from using crypto kiosks to defraud vulnerable people, especially older adults, because the transactions are often irreversible and hard to trace. Representative Perryman spoke in support, describing local fraud cases and saying the issue had come to her attention through St. Cloud residents and police. The bill was laid over for further work with the Department of Commerce and other interested members. Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant said the problem is statewide and described a case in which a 78-year-old woman lost $80,000 after being directed to a kiosk. A Woodbury detective said current safeguards, including warnings, limits, and refund provisions, have not stopped weekly victimization and that scammers coach victims to bypass protections. An AARP Minnesota volunteer said kiosks are a preferred vehicle for scammers because they move stolen funds quickly and are especially harmful to older adults, and he noted that the 2024 consumer protections have not been enough. The Department of Commerce also supported the bill, saying crypto kiosks are a growing fraud vector and citing 120 complaints over three years, nearly $1 million in reported losses, and 70 cases with $540,000 in losses already in 2025. The department said many victims do not report losses, so the true amount is likely higher. In contrast, Coinflip’s general counsel opposed a ban and argued that fraud should be addressed through stronger regulation, refunds, blockchain analytics, and customer-service requirements rather than prohibiting a legal product. He said scams would continue through other channels if kiosks were banned. In discussion, members asked about the number of kiosks, how long they have been operating in Minnesota, and the scale of losses; the department said there are about 350 licensed kiosks operated by 8 to 10 operators, though the total number may be higher.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Kentucky in 2024, the FBI data report shows consumers reported 132 cryptocurrency kiosk fraud complaints
• being victims of crypto kiosk reported being victims of crypto kiosk fraud<00:19:35.679> and<
• fraud and 52% of those were age 60 plus. fraud and 52% of those were age 60 plus.
• The total loss fraud complaints.
• reported was over $1.7 million. reported was over $1.7 million.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:01 Discussion SB 157 00:23 Vote SB 157 05:22 Discussion SB 189 05:57 Vote SB 189 26:49, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 157, which would align Kentucky’s mortgage loan fee rules with federal standards by exempting certain first and second mortgages from the state’s total net income cap when they meet federal points-and-fees thresholds. The sponsor and Rocket Mortgage testified that the bill would make it easier for borrowers to buy down mortgage interest rates with discount points, helping affordability without changing borrower costs, while preserving the existing 4% cap for loans outside the federal standard. Members discussed how rate buydowns work in practice, and the bill passed with a favorable expression after a roll call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 189, as amended by a committee substitute, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosks, or crypto ATMs, in Kentucky. The sponsor described widespread scam losses tied to these kiosks, especially among older adults, and said the bill would add consumer protections such as licensing, financial safeguards, transaction limits, refund or hold requirements, disclosures, receipts, and enforcement authority for the Department of Financial Institutions. He also said the substitute was based on other states’ models and that further changes might be needed, including possible floor amendments. AARP Kentucky testified in support of regulating crypto kiosks but said the committee substitute weakened consumer protections and urged stronger safeguards, including lower transaction limits, fee caps, identity verification, receipts, and scam warnings. AARP representatives cited data on scam complaints and losses in Kentucky and nationally, and said the point of transfer is the best place to prevent harm. Committee members generally agreed the issue was consumer protection, but one senator cautioned against overregulating personal financial choices and noted that scams exist in many forms. The discussion ended with acknowledgment that the bill would continue to be refined, including in coordination with the House and stakeholder groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• No fraud is acceptable.
• No fraud is acceptable.
• He said it was section 29.9 about submitting investigative reports on childcare assistance fraud and
• on childcare assistance um and reports on childcare assistance um and fraud<00:55:07.520> and
• doesn't actually exist at this point in time, where they are reporting on alleged fraud or actual investigative

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• on who don't report. on who don't report.
• Not just that you are duty bound, but if you are aware of this fraud and you fail to report that, you
• Let's ensure that reporting happens promptly because what amount of fraud is okay?
• Not just that you are duty bound, but if you are aware of this fraud and you fail to report that, you
• Let's ensure that reporting happens promptly because what amount of fraud is okay?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 4476, described as the human services program integrity package, and first adopted a motion declaring urgency so the bill could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language, followed by a technical A7 amendment clarifying that prepayment review would apply to all fee-for-service systems. Members then debated the A5 amendment, which would have removed a sunset on the periodic data matching reporting requirement tied to eligibility checks for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare. Supporters argued the report is essential for fraud prevention, accountability, and ensuring only eligible recipients receive benefits, citing missed or delayed reports and claiming the process can save the state money. Opponents said the report had been received, that federal HR1 changes would require different data-matching procedures, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, the A5 amendment failed, 63-67. The House next debated the A6 amendment, which would require DHS reporting on homelessness programs, including outcomes, costs, and participant movement, and would allow recoupment of funds if reporting was not provided. Supporters said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness without clear results and needs better data to guide policy; opponents said homelessness reporting and stakeholder work are already underway and objected to the amendment’s approach. Debate continued with questions about the amendment’s details and stakeholder consultation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on A6.

Transcript Highlights:

• services it's intended for, not fraud. services it's intended for, not fraud.
• help crack down on this type of fraud. help crack down on this type of fraud.
• prosecute longunning and sprawling fraud prosecute longunning and sprawling fraud schemes<00:19:
• <00:21:06.880> meeting fraud prevention committee um meeting fraud prevention committee um
• wage theft, worker misclassification, tax fraud, and insurance fraud on publicly funded projects.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > a of anti-fraud fraud safeguards and a of anti-fraud fraud safeguards and a violation<00:47:
• I reported fraud to him, and what he did is call up the person I was reporting on and said, "Fay Bernstein
• I reported fraud to him, and what he did is call up the person I was reporting on and said, "Fay Bernstein
• I reported fraud to him, and what he did is call up the person I was reporting on and said, "Fay Bernstein
• I reported fraud to him, and what he did is call up the person I was reporting on and said, "Fay Bernstein

Bills: HF3900, HF1849

Keywords: permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund

Transcript Highlights:

• and webs of fraud.
• whistleblower reports and webs of fraud. whistleblower reports and webs of fraud.
• These things are minority report.
• And fraud.
• in our majority report. in our majority report.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee debated whether to issue a subpoena to Representative Ilhan Omar for documents and communications related to the Feeding Our Future investigation and the federal U.S. v. Aimee Bock trial exhibits. The chair argued that Omar’s office had been named in trial exhibits, that prior requests for testimony and documents had gone unanswered, and that the committee needed the materials to understand the role of the Meals Act and related communications in creating conditions for fraud. Supporters said the request was part of a broader effort to examine Minnesota’s larger fraud problems and to obtain records they believed were relevant and public despite a court protective order; opponents questioned the timing, the committee’s need for the information, and the precedent of subpoenaing a sitting member of Congress, while also arguing federal authorities could pursue any wrongdoing themselves. Members discussed whether the committee had first requested the materials in April 2026 or earlier, whether the documents could be obtained directly from the court or the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and how the information would be used given that the committee was nearing the end of its work. The chair said staff had tried PACER and the federal court, but that the exhibits themselves were under a protective order binding the parties, not the legislature or Omar. Critics said the subpoena was unnecessary and politically motivated; supporters said it was needed for transparency and accountability in the Feeding Our Future probe and related fraud patterns. A roll call was taken on the motion to issue the subpoena. The committee voted 5-3 in favor, but the chair noted that Minnesota law required a two-thirds vote, so the motion failed and the subpoena was not issued. The chair said she would continue trying to contact Representative Omar’s office and hoped for a response.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or any individual pardoned who committed fraud. The secretary will report the amendment.
• > anyone about fraud, fraud, fraud, or anyone about fraud, fraud, fraud, or anyone committing<03:
• Any applicant suspected of fraud must be reported to the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development
• Who is responsible for reporting the fraud to the department?
• Information from any suspected fraud application will be reported to state investigating authorities.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order, a quorum was established, and remote voting was authorized for several members. The body adopted committee reports except those related to Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, gave Senate File 4067 a second reading, and referred newly introduced bills as listed on the agenda. It also adopted a motion to strike and re-refer House File 3379 to the Committee on Finance, and then moved into special orders and floor debate. The main floor action was on House File 2358, a public safety bill providing enhanced criminal penalties for certain coercion offenses. Senator Lang described it as creating a Minnesota crime targeting sexual extortion of children, including online extortion. Senator Maye Quade supported the bill and spoke about the tragic constituent story behind it. The Senate took a roll call and passed the bill 67-0, with its title agreed to. The Senate then began debate on Senate File 4511, which would clarify Minnesota gambling law to prohibit prediction-market style betting disguised as futures contracts. Senator Marty argued the bill was needed to stop companies such as Kalshi and Polymarket from using futures-contract language to evade state gambling restrictions and to protect existing regulated gambling businesses. Senator Johnson initially offered the A10 amendment to delay action until federal jurisdiction issues are resolved, but withdrew it after debate. He then offered the A8 amendment to preserve longer-term weather-related hedging contracts, which Senator Marty supported as a distinction from short-term, manipulable bets; the A8 amendment was adopted. Debate continued with questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach election-related or financial contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota from theft by fraud. Minnesota from theft by fraud.
• <00:05:12.919> fraud.
• well as have a pathway to report fraud. well as have a pathway to report fraud.
• These proposals and more will help protect Minnesotans from fraud and scams, create a pathway for reporting
• people who are looking to commit fraud. people who are looking to commit fraud.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL leaders held a press conference outlining a fraud-prevention agenda centered on transparency, accountability, and modernization of state systems. Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Minnesotans are angry about fraud and that the caucus has already passed multiple fraud-prevention measures, but more work is needed. She and other senators emphasized that outdated county and state IT systems leave programs vulnerable to waste and abuse, and said they want to pursue both immediate upgrades and longer-term funding solutions, including possible bonding for technology infrastructure. Senator Zena Mohamed described legislation to overhaul program integrity in Medicaid and human services by adding safeguards before, during, and after provider enrollment and service delivery. She said the goal is to prevent theft before dollars are spent, rein in third-party entities that profit without accountability, and improve consumer protections and reporting pathways. Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger highlighted a bill to ban cryptocurrency kiosks, arguing they are heavily used in scams targeting seniors and vulnerable people, and also backed a state consumer financial protection bureau and stronger False Claims Act enforcement. Senator Rob Kupec focused on ethics and conflicts of interest, including a proposal to bar legislative members and certain state employees from quickly moving into jobs tied to entities receiving state appropriations or grants. He also said lawmakers should strengthen penalties for theft of public funds and restrict state contracts for people convicted of fraud. Senator Heather Gustafson promoted her Office of Inspector General bill, saying oversight is fragmented and an independent office is needed for investigations, safeguards, and early detection; she said the Senate passed the bill 60-7 last year and she wants it enacted. In response to questions, Murphy and Gustafson said the OIG should have law-enforcement powers, that bipartisan support exists in principle, and that the House needs to settle on a single proposal. The senators also said prepayment review can be useful but can disrupt services, and they argued agencies must use the tools already given to them while lawmakers continue oversight.