Fraud-Fighting Legislation Authored by Rep. Andrew Myers Advances

St. Paul – This week, legislation authored by Representative Andrew Myers to strengthen accountability and crack down on fraud involving taxpayer dollars advanced out of the House Public Safety Committee with bipartisan support and is now headed to the General Register.

House File 4425 increases the statute of limitations for prosecuting medical assistance fraud and other thefts of government funds from six years to ten years.

“Fraud doesn’t always come to light right away,” said Rep. Myers. “As an attorney, I know these cases are often complex and take time to fully uncover. Extending the statute of limitations gives law enforcement and prosecutors the time and legal breathing room they need to do the job right and bring those responsible to justice.”

Under current Minnesota law, most criminal cases have a three-year statute of limitations, with certain exceptions. Cases involving medical assistance fraud currently carry a six-year window. HF 4425 extends that window to ten years, recognizing the complexity of these cases and the time it can take to uncover fraudulent activity.

“This is about creating a practical solution to protect public dollars and making sure those who exploit the system don’t get away with it simply because the clock ran out,” Myers said. “We’ve seen too many cases where fraud is uncovered years after it began. This change gives us a better chance to recover funds, pursue justice, and bring back public trust.”

The updated limitations period would apply to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2026, as well as to prior offenses where the statute of limitations has not yet expired. In support of the legislation, Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, agreed that this option and opportunity would allow the time needed to address these complex cases.

“This is a straightforward, commonsense reform,” Myers added. “If someone steals from the people of Minnesota, they should be held accountable. Extending the statute of limitations helps ensure that happens.”

The bill now moves to the House General Register for consideration by the full body.