Program overview
Government officials disclosure
The Board is responsible for administration of statutes governing financial disclosure by government officials and conflicts of interest. The Board's jurisdiction is established by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10A.
Statements of economic interest
Appointed and elected public officials and some appointed and elected officials in metropolitan governmental units must file statements of economic interest. These statements disclose the official’s sources of income, financial holdings, non-homestead real estate, and interests in horseracing. Each January, officials must review and update their information.
Public officials file their statements with the Board. Local officials file their statements with the governing bodies of their metropolitan governmental units.
Gift prohibition
Chapter 10A prohibits most gifts to legislators, legislative staff, constitutional officers, and other public officials that are given or requested by lobbyists or lobbyist principals. With minor exceptions, the prohibition includes the giving and the acceptance of money, real or personal property, services, loan, promises of future employment, meals, entertainment, and honoraria.
Conflict of interest
A public official who in the course of official duties would be required to take an action or make a decision that would substantially affect the official's financial interests or those of an associated business must
- prepare a written statement describing the potential conflict or fill out a potential conflict of interest notice; and
- give the written document to the official's immediate superior or, for conflicts involving members of the legislature or governing bodies of metropolitan governmental units, to the presiding officer of the body of service.
Representation disclosure
A public official must file a representation disclosure notice when the official represents a client for a fee in a rulemaking or contested case hearing held in front of an individual, board, commission, or agency that has rulemaking authority.