OH SB135

Establishes new civil and criminal fraud provisions (sections 2747.01-2747.10) targeting false or fraudulent claims against the state, including misleading statements to obtain state payments or to conceal obligations to the state.

Authorizes the attorney general to investigate violations and bring civil actions, with penalties of $5,000-$10,000 per false claim plus three times the damages sustained by the state.

Allows private citizens to bring qui tam (whistleblower) actions on behalf of the state, with the state having 60 days to intervene; successful whistleblowers receive 15-25% of recovery proceeds (or 25-30% if state declines to proceed).

Grants the attorney general authority to issue civil investigative demands requiring production of documents, written interrogatories, and oral testimony from persons possessing relevant evidence, with court enforcement mechanisms available.

Provides whistleblower protections against employer retaliation, including reinstatement, double back pay, and damages; prohibits qui tam actions based on publicly disclosed information unless the whistleblower had direct knowledge and voluntarily disclosed to the state first.