2026 Minnesota Statutes

15E.20 INSPECTOR GENERAL.

Subdivision 1.Minimum qualifications.

(a) To be eligible to be appointed as inspector general, a candidate must:

(1) have a bachelor's or higher degree in criminal justice, public administration, law, or a related field;

(2) have at least ten years of professional experience in auditing, investigations, law enforcement, or a related area;

(3) hold a professional certificate from the Association of Inspectors General, including Certified Inspector General or Certified Inspector General Investigator; and

(4) demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the mission of public service and provide a public disclosure of prior professional opinions, positions, or actions that may influence the candidate's approach to the role.

(b) Current or former commissioners, agency heads, deputy commissioners or agency heads, governors, or legislators, and persons elected to an office other than governor or legislator, are not eligible to serve as inspector general within five years of their service in those roles.

Subd. 2.Appointment.

The Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission must recommend candidates for inspector general after a competitive process from among eligible applicants for the position of inspector general. To be recommended by the commission, a candidate must be approved for recommendation by five of the eight members of the commission. The commission must assess eligible candidates based on qualifications, including experience in auditing, financial analysis, public administration, law enforcement, or related fields. The inspector general is appointed by the governor, after consideration of recommendations from the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission, with confirmation by a vote of three-fifths of the senate. Section 15.066, subdivision 3, does not apply. If the senate does not confirm a person appointed by the governor, the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission must consider applicants and make recommendations to the governor as required under section 15E.60, subdivision 4.

Subd. 3.Term.

The inspector general serves a five-year term and may be appointed to unlimited additional terms. An appointment to an additional term must be confirmed by a vote of three-fifths of the senate.

Subd. 4.Vacancy.

The Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission must provide recommendations to the governor for appointment to fill a vacancy in the position of the inspector general within 90 days of a vacancy occurring or within 60 days of being advised by the inspector general that a vacancy is expected to occur. The governor must appoint an inspector general within 30 days of receiving recommendations from the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission or within 45 days of expiration of the 90- or 60-day period if the advisory commission does not provide recommendations within the time allotted.

Subd. 5.Disclosure.

A candidate considered by the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission or selected for appointment by the governor must disclose all political affiliations, appointments, campaign work, or partisan activities prior to confirmation.

Subd. 6.Nonpartisanship.

The inspector general, and all employees of the office, must perform duties of the office without regard to partisan preferences or influences. While serving, the inspector general, and all employees of the office, may not engage in partisan activities, campaign work, or public political speech, unless protected by the state or federal constitution.

Subd. 7.Removal.

The inspector general may only be removed by the governor before the expiration of the term for cause after a public hearing conducted by the governor and with the approval of both the senate and the house of representatives.

History:

2026 c 92 art 1 s 6