Governor Walz announces legislative package to stop fraud [Video]

MINNESOTA (Valley News Live) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order on Friday, January 3, creating a centralized state fraud investigations unit, it will be operated by law enforcement at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The Governor also announced a new legislative package to prevent, detect, investigate, and penalize fraud in state programs.

“We’re coupling new tools, like AI, with old fashioned police work, to slam the door shut on theft,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesotans rightly have no tolerance for misuse of taxpayer dollars. This plan directs every single state agency to work together to better prevent, detect, investigate, and punish fraud.”

This package is expected to have a net cost of approximately $39 million in fiscal year 26-27 and $15 million in fiscal year 28-29. The following details were released by the Governor’s office:

Strengthened investigation and enforcement authority