Minnesota Statutes § 13.357 - DATA SHARING

§ Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given. (b) "Public program" means any program funded by a state or federal agency that involves transfer or disbursement of public funds or other public resources. For purposes of the data sharing authority granted to the commissioner of revenue under subdivision 2, public program does not include refunds, payments, or other disbursements made by the commissioner of revenue in the administration of state revenue laws. (c) "Fraud" means an intentional or deliberate act to deprive another of property or money or to acquire property or money by deception or other unfair means. Fraud includes intentionally submitting false information to a federal, state, or local government entity for the purpose of obtaining a greater compensation or benefit than that to which the person is legally entitled. Fraud includes acts that constitute a crime against any program, or acts that attempt or conspire to commit those crimes, including but not limited to theft in violation of section 609.52, perjury in violation of section 609.48, and aggravated forgery and forgery in violation of sections 609.625 and 609.63, and substantially similar federal laws. § Subd. 2.Authority to share data regarding fraud in public programs. Except where a provision of law specifically prohibits data sharing, any government entity may disclose data relating to suspected or confirmed fraud in public programs to any other government entity, federal agency, or law enforcement agency if the access would promote the protection of public resources, promote the integrity of public programs, or aid the law enforcement process.