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HF 4838

State employees and legislators precluded from taking employment with grant recipients in certain situations, and definition of serious crime amended for purposes of recalling a state officer.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Meg Luger-Nikolai

Minnesota HF 4838 would restrict state employees and legislators from taking jobs with grant-receiving entities and redefine what counts as a “serious crime” for recalling state of

Introduction and first reading, referred to State Government Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4838

Summary of HF 4838 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Overview

HF 4838 proposes two distinct policy changes in Minnesota:

1) Prohibits state employees and legislators from taking employment with grant recipients in certain circumstances.
2) Amends the definition of “serious crime” for the purposes of procedures to recall a state officer.

The bill is authored with a first reading and referred to the State Government Finance and Policy committee, with Meg Luger-Nikolai listed as a co-sponsor. The current action history indicates introduction and referral on April 7, 2026.

1) Main Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to strengthen ethical and conflict-of-interest protections related to state operations:
    • It restricts post-employment opportunities for state workers and legislators with organizations or entities that receive state-granted funds or grants in certain contexts.
  • It also updates the statutory framework governing recall of state officers by redefining what constitutes a “serious crime,” potentially affecting recall eligibility or procedures.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Employment with Grant Recipients (State Employees and Legislators)

  • Prohibition/Restriction: The bill restricts state employees and legislators from taking employment with entities that are grant recipients under specific conditions.
  • Scope: While the exact language is not provided here, typical provisions of this type may include:
    • Prohibitions during a certain period after retirement or separation from state service.
    • Prohibitions when the grant recipient has ongoing or prospective state funding, contracts, or oversight tied to the employee or legislator’s role.
    • Requirements for disclosure, recusal, or divestment when a potential conflict could arise.
  • Rationale: Aims to prevent conflicts of interest, favoritism, or appearance of impropriety in the administration of state grants and public funds.

B. Definition of Serious Crime for Recall of a State Officer

  • Amendment to Definition: The bill alters the statutory definition of “serious crime” used in recall procedures for state officers.
  • Potential Effects:
    • Expands or narrows the set of offenses that qualify for recall based on the seriousness of the crime.
    • Could affect thresholds, such as whether certain misdemeanors, felonies, or offenses involving dishonesty or abuse of office meet the standard.
    • May influence who is subject to recall petitions and the grounds for initiating recall.
  • Note: Specific changes (e.g., which offenses are included or excluded) depend on the exact text of the amendment.

3) Affected Parties

  • State Employees: Those employed by Minnesota state government who might seek employment with grant recipients.
  • Legislators: Members of the Minnesota Legislature.
  • Grant Recipients: Organizations or entities that receive Minnesota state grants or funds.
  • State Officials/Officers: Individuals subject to recall under Minnesota law, affected by changes to the “serious crime” standard.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and first reading occurred on April 7, 2026.
  • Referred to: State Government Finance and Policy committee.
  • As a bill at the committee stage, it would typically undergo:
    • Committee hearings, possible amendments, and a committee vote.
    • Potential floor consideration by the full House, and then Senate steps if it advances.
  • Timelines depend on legislative calendars, committee schedules, and floor action.

5) Additional Observations

  • The bill’s impact will hinge on the precise statutory language for:
    • The scope and duration of employment restrictions with grant recipients.
    • The exact list of offenses or criteria that constitute a “serious crime.”
  • Public transparency and ethics compliance considerations are central to both provisions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include the exact text once it becomes available, or provide a side-by-side comparison with current Minnesota statutes to highlight the concrete changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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