SB 00022 - Prevention of Fraud in Government Programs

• Establishes civil liability for knowingly presenting false or fraudulent claims to state-administered health and human services programs, with penalties of $5,500 to $11,000 plus treble damages and investigation costs.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate suspected fraud violations and empowers private citizens to bring qui tam (whistleblower) lawsuits on behalf of the state in Hartford Superior Court.

• Permits whistleblowers to recover 15-25% of proceeds from successful actions when the Attorney General proceeds, or 25-30% when private parties conduct the action, plus reasonable expenses and attorney fees.

• Provides whistleblower protection against retaliation for employees, contractors, or agents who report violations, including reinstatement, back pay with interest, and compensation for damages.

• Sets statute of limitations at six years from violation or three years from when facts should have been known, but no more than ten years from the violation date.