Bill > HB2585

This bill establishes the Washington False Claims Act, creating a new chapter in Title 7 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to combat fraud against the state. It defines key terms like "claim" (any request for money or property to the state or its agents), "knowing" (actual knowledge, deliberate ignorance, or reckless disregard of truth), and "material" (influencing payment or receipt of money or property). The act imposes civil penalties on individuals or entities that knowingly submit false or fraudulent claims to the state, make false statements related to such claims, or conspire to commit these violations, with penalties ranging from a minimum of $14,308 to a maximum of $28,619 per violation, plus three times the amount of damages sustained by the state. It also allows for reduced penalties if the violator fully cooperates with the Attorney General's investigation. The Attorney General is empowered to investigate violations and bring civil actions, and the act introduces "qui tam" actions, which allow private citizens (called "qui tam relators") to sue on behalf of the state and receive a portion of any recovered funds, typically between 15% and 30%, depending on their contribution. Information gathered during investigations is exempt from public disclosure until a case is resolved, and employees or agents who report violations are protected from retaliation. The act also outlines procedures for investigations, including the use of civil investigative demands to obtain documents, answers, and testimony, and sets statutes of limitations for bringing such actions. Finally, the Attorney General is required to report annually on the implementation of the act, starting in December 2027.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2585&Year=2025&Initiative=false