Bill Summary

1         

Web site with searchable data base on state expenditures.

     Subd. 1. Web database requirement.  Requires the commissioner of finance, in consultation with the commissioners of administration and revenue, to maintain a Web site with a searchable data base with information on state contracts, state appropriations, state expenditures, and state tax expenditures.

Requires that for each data field, the searchable database must allow a user to perform a search using that field; sort by that field; obtain information grouped or aggregated by that field, if  feasible; and view information by fiscal year or years.

     Subd. 2. Contracts.  Requires that the database on contracts include data fields showing: the name of the entity entering into and receiving the contract; if the contract is for goods, professional or technical services, other services, or a grant; and the funding source for the contract.  Also provides that for each contract the data base must include an address of the entity receiving the contract and a brief statement of the purpose of the contract.  Requires that information on a new contract or grant be entered into the database within 30 days.  Defines a “grant” for purposes of this section.

     Subd. 3. Appropriations.  Requires that the database on state appropriations include information on: the agency receiving the appropriation; the agency program, activity, and item, to the extent applicable; the fund from which the appropriation is made; and the object of expenditure.

     Subd. 4. State expenditures.  Requires that the database on state expenditures include data field showing: the agency making the expenditure; the agency program, activity, and item, to the extent applicable; the fund from which the expenditure is made; and the object of expenditure.

     Subd. 5. Tax expenditures.  Requires the Web site to include a searchable database of state tax expenditures, including data fields showing the estimated impact on state revenues of each tax expenditure item listed in a report that current law (section 270C.11) requires the commissioner of revenue to prepare.

     Subd. 6. Retention of data.  Requires that the database required under this section include information beginning with fiscal year 2010 funds and must retain data for at least ten years.

     Subd. 7. Consultation.  Requires the commissioner of finance to consult with the chairs of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees before encumbering funds appropriated on or after July 1, 2009 for state accounting or procurement systems.  Provides that funds appropriated for these purposes may not be spent unless the commissioner certifies that the system will allow compliance with requirements of this section.

2         

Repealer.  Repeals Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.046, the current law requiring the commissioner of administration to maintain a Web site with a searchable database on state contracts.