HB 2844 Summary

• Establishes Arizona's False Claims Act allowing civil actions against persons who knowingly submit false claims for payment to the state or political subdivisions, or who make false records to obtain false claims.

• Imposes liability of treble (triple) damages plus civil penalties of $5,500 to $11,000 per false claim, with reduced penalties of double damages if violators self-report within 30 days and fully cooperate with investigations.

• Creates qui tam provisions allowing private citizens to bring civil actions on behalf of the state or political subdivisions, with sealed complaints that the Attorney General or prosecuting authorities may take over within specified timeframes.

• Allocates recovered proceeds to the Attorney General or prosecuting authority (33%), the private plaintiff (15-50% depending on government involvement), and remaining amounts revert to the state or political subdivision.

• Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who disclose false claims information to government agencies or participate in false claims litigation, with remedies including reinstatement, back pay, damages, and attorney fees.