ST. PAUL, Minn. — Today, the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee recommended to pass Senate File 856 – legislation to create an independent state Office of Inspector General (OIG) – and moved it to the House’s Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. This latest development indicates substantial progress towards the bill becoming law.
Authored by Senator Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights), Senate File 856 passed the state Senate with broad bipartisan support in 2025. The bill establishes an Office of Inspector General with independent investigative authority, a 3/5 Senate confirmation threshold, and protections ensuring the office cannot be delayed or obstructed by any agency or administration.
“Minnesotans have been clear: they want a government that spends their money wisely, takes preventative measures against fraud, and answers to no single party or special interest,” said Senator Gustafson. “That is precisely what this legislation delivers. Last year, the Senate passed my bill with a vote of 60-7, because we knew the status quo wasn’t good enough. Today, I’m happy to see the House moving in the same direction.
“This is what bipartisan, bicameral leadership looks like. Not finger-pointing – problem-solving. Not protecting the system – fixing and improving it. An independent Office of Inspector General, with real authority to investigate fraud across all state programs, is not a partisan idea – it’s the right idea. Minnesotans deserve both compassion in their programs and accountability in how those programs are run. This office will deliver both. I look forward to working with colleagues in the House to get this across the finish line.”
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Learn more about Sen. Gustafson.
