Bill > HB4398

This bill creates the "False Claims Act" to provide remedies and prescribe civil sanctions against a person that presents a false or fraudulent claim to obtain money, property, or services from the state or a local unit of government. It establishes definitions for key terms such as "claim," "false claim," and "knowing." The bill allows the Attorney General or a local government to investigate and bring a civil action against a person who commits certain prohibited acts, such as knowingly presenting a false claim or making a false statement material to a false claim. The bill also allows a private person to bring a qui tam civil action on behalf of the state or a local government, with provisions for the Attorney General or a local government to intervene or take over the action. The bill includes provisions related to awards, dismissal of actions, and protections for whistleblowers.