The Minnesota legislature’s passage of a bill creating a statewide Inspector General is an important victory for government accountability and the fight against fraud, waste, and abuse.

The legislation includes several robust safeguards designed to protect the independence of the new inspector general, a critical feature for any oversight office to function effectively and maintain public trust. Independent oversight only works when investigators and auditors are empowered to follow the facts wherever they lead, free from political interference or undue pressure.

The next step, after the governor signs the legislation into law, will be ensuring the appointment of a strong, experienced, and independent-minded professional to lead the office.

The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General’s decision to initiate an audit of the Department’s compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act is an important and much needed development. This is exactly the kind of independent oversight the American people expect, especially in a case involving powerful individuals, vulnerable victims, and deeply serious alleged crimes.