SB838 Summary

• Establishes Arkansas False Claims Act (§ 20-3-201 et seq.) allowing citizens to sue on behalf of the state to recover fraudulently obtained funds, with qui tam relators receiving 15-30% of recovered proceeds

• Creates civil liability for false claims violations with penalties of $5,000-$10,000 per violation plus treble damages, reduced to double damages if violator self-reports within 30 days and cooperates with Attorney General

• Grants Attorney General authority to issue civil investigative demands for documents, testimony, and interrogatories to investigate fraud claims, with court enforcement mechanisms and appeal procedures

• Expands whistleblower protections including anti-retaliation provisions and employee remedies, plus immunity for compelled testimony

• Creates False Claims Act Fund and Arkansas Medicaid Program Trust Fund to receive recovered proceeds for state use and Medicaid program operations, with annual legislative reporting required