A bill to provide for remedies and prescribe civil sanctions against a person that presents a false or fraudulent claim to obtain money, property, or services from this state or a local unit of government; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local government officers and agencies; to prohibit retaliation against a person that pursues a remedy under this act; and to authorize the attorney general to promulgate rules.
Sets civil penalties ranging from $6,000 to $12,000 plus triple the damages and includes whistleblower protections. It allows the attorney general to establish rules and specifies conditions for reduced penalties. The legislation, known as the "false claims act," outlines the process for qui tam actions, enabling individuals to sue on behalf of the state, and details the attorney general's role in such cases. It specifies the judicial process for these actions, the rights and responsibilities of involved parties, and the share of proceeds qui tam plaintiffs may receive, which ranges from 15% to 30% based on the government's involvement and case outcome. The bill also addresses conditions under which actions may be dismissed, such as if the allegations are already the subject of a pending action or if a settlement has been reached.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Labor
