DE SB144

Expands the definition of "claim" under the False Claims Act to include requests for money or property presented to government agents or to contractors/grantees if the funds will be spent on government behalf or to advance government programs, and excludes compensation for government employment or income subsidies.

Adds definitions for "obligation" (established duties arising from contracts, statutes, or retained overpayments) and "material" (information capable of influencing payment or receipt of money or property).

Eliminates the "original source" requirement and "public disclosure" bar for actions brought by the Attorney General, and restructures dismissal provisions so courts must dismiss actions based on publicly disclosed allegations unless brought by the Attorney General or based on independent knowledge materially adding to public disclosures.

Expands employee protection provisions to include contractors and agents, not just employees, with remedies including reinstatement, double back pay, interest, litigation costs, and attorney's fees; establishes 3-year statute of limitations for retaliation claims in Superior Court.

Adds statute of limitations provision allowing government pleadings to relate back to the filing date of the original qui tam relator's complaint when claims arise from the same conduct or transactions.