MS HB1582

Establishes the "Mississippi False Claims Act" to prohibit knowingly presenting false or fraudulent claims for payment to state agencies, including making false records, conspiracy to defraud, and delivery of less property than certified.

Imposes civil liability of three times damages plus civil penalties of $5,000-$10,000 per violation, with court discretion to reduce to two times damages if violator self-reports within 30 days, fully cooperates, and no prosecution is pending.

Authorizes private citizens ("qui tam plaintiffs") to file sealed lawsuits on behalf of Mississippi for false claims exceeding $10,000, with venue in Hinds County Circuit Court, and allows the state agency 60 days to decide whether to take over the action.

Awards qui tam plaintiffs 15-25% of recovered proceeds if the state intervenes and prevails, or 25-30% if the plaintiff proceeds alone, plus reasonable attorney's fees and expenses, with reduced awards for plaintiffs who initiated the violation or are convicted of related crimes.

Prohibits employers from preventing employees from disclosing fraud information to government agencies or participating in false claims actions, with remedies including reinstatement, double back pay with interest, and punitive damages for retaliation; statute of limitations is three years from discovery or ten years from violation.