Senate Republicans today rolled out a legislative action plan to stop fraud in Minnesota’s public support services and restore accountability in state government. The plan focuses on three key objectives: stricter legislative oversight, smarter use of technology to verify services, and stronger accountability for taxpayer dollars.
In a video update, Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) highlighted the action plan: “Minnesota has a fraud problem. That is what I am hearing from constituents. Unfortunately, Democrats and Governor Walz continue to be in denial. Senate Republicans have a comprehensive plan to stop the fraud and restore accountability. We will keep fighting for taxpayers during the 2026 session,” said Westrom.
Stricter legislative oversight
Senate Republicans aim to restore meaningful oversight of state agencies and spending. One bill would require legislative confirmation of agency commissioners. This reverses a recent change that allowed automatic confirmation. Another bill would ensure that services exceeding spending projections trigger automatic audits and legislative review. These measures help catch problems early and prevent fraud from spreading.
Technology to streamline verification and delivery of services
Additionally, the plan strengthens verification systems to ensure services are delivered as billed. Bills in this area expand electronic visit verification, requiring recipients to confirm services were provided. Another measure creates a “do not pay” list for individuals or entities ineligible for state payments. Managed care organizations would be required to verify eligibility before receiving full reimbursement. Technology would also flag suspicious activity for further review.
Accountability in state government
Senate Republicans are pushing for stronger accountability in Minnesota’s social services. Legislation would make it a crime for employees of the Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to falsify records during audits. Annual fraud reports from the DHS and DCYF Office of the Inspector General would be reinstated, and all DHS and DCYF programs would face standardized, unannounced site visits. These measures aim to hold employees and providers accountable and protect taxpayer dollars.
Bill list
Stricter legislative oversight
- Re-establishing and requiring legislative confirmation of commissioners
- Automatic audits and/or a potential pause when social services experience large growth in spending
Technology to streamline verification and delivery of services
- Electronic visit verification and recipient sign off for services provided
- Do not pay list database of people ineligible to receive state payments
- Technology advancements on eligibility and verification
Accountability in state government
- Criminal penalties for falsifying paperwork for audits
- DHS and DCYF OIG annual reporting requirements
- Mandate unannounced in-person site visit for every DHS and DCYF program