HB 5597 Summary

• Establishes false claims liability provisions for state-administered health and human services programs, imposing civil penalties of $5,500-$11,000 plus treble damages and investigation costs on those knowingly presenting false claims.

• Creates private right of action allowing whistleblowers to sue on behalf of the state for false claims violations, with whistleblowers receiving 15-30% of recovered amounts plus reasonable expenses and attorneys' fees.

• Establishes Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) Baby Scholars program providing up to $250 in incentive contributions toward college savings accounts for children born or adopted on/after January 1, 2014.

• Expands property tax relief programs by allowing taxpayers to direct income tax refunds to Connecticut Higher Education Trust accounts and modifies elderly renter grant program administration procedures.

• Updates emergency medical services provisions including new performance review standards, procedures for responder removal, and requirements for municipalities to update local EMS plans with technical assistance from Department of Public Health.