Office of the Inspector General provisions within the Department of Education modification

This bill modifies the Minnesota Department of Education to strengthen the Office of the Inspector General, which is responsible for detecting and preventing fraud, theft, waste, and abuse in state education programs. It grants the office expanded authority to access confidential records and defines specific actions, such as submitting false information or causing unnecessary costs, as fraud or abuse. The legislation also establishes rules for protecting investigative data, outlines procedures for reporting misconduct, and clarifies the inspector general's role in cooperating with law enforcement. These changes directly affect the department's internal oversight structure and the individuals involved in managing or receiving state education funds.