MO SB959

Establishes the Missouri False Claims Act to authorize civil actions against persons who knowingly submit false or fraudulent claims for payment to the state, political subdivisions, school districts, or municipal corporations.

Imposes civil penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 plus three times the amount of damages sustained by the government, reducible to two times damages if the violator voluntarily discloses the violation within 30 days and fully cooperates with government investigation.

Allows private citizens to bring civil actions on behalf of the government; the government has 60 days to decide whether to take over the action or allow the private citizen to proceed independently.

Entitles successful private litigants to receive 15-25% of recovered proceeds if the government participates, or 25-30% if the private party conducts the action independently, plus reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses.

Protects employees from discharge, demotion, or discrimination for lawful participation in false claims actions, entitling them to reinstatement, double back pay, interest, and reasonable attorneys' fees.