On this page you will find the latest press releases and statements from the Office of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
1/3/2025 11:41:58 AM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed an executive order creating a centralized state fraud investigations unit 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.
“As long as there have been programs aimed at helping people, there have been fraudulent actors looking to steal from those who need them most. Our job is to stay one step ahead of them. 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.”
Strengthened investigation and enforcement authority
Better detection and oversight
Increased Criminal Penalties
This package is expected to have a net cost of approximately $39 million in FY 26-27 and $15 million in FY 28-29.
“AI has the potential to revolutionize the fight against fraud by detecting patterns, predicting risks, and protecting resources with unparalleled speed and accuracy,” said Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services Tarek Tomes.
“Fraud and other financial crimes harm every Minnesotan. They drive up prices of needed products, steal our tax dollars, reduce availability of funding for needed services, and more,” said Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans. “By combining state law enforcement resources, we will improve our ability to root out and prosecute these crimes with consistency, transparency and efficiency.”
These measures would build on the Governor’s previous efforts to combat fraud enacted in the 2023 legislative session, including: