PA HB1697

Creates Pennsylvania's "Taxpayer Prevention Against Fraud Act" modeled on the Federal False Claims Act, imposing liability of three times damages plus civil penalties on persons who knowingly submit false or fraudulent claims for payment to the Commonwealth

Authorizes private citizens (qui tam plaintiffs) to file civil lawsuits on behalf of Pennsylvania against fraud perpetrators, with whistleblowers receiving 15-30% of recovered proceeds depending on their contribution and whether the Commonwealth joins the case

Grants the Attorney General broad investigative powers including authority to issue civil investigative demands for documents, written interrogatories, and oral testimony, with complaints remaining sealed for at least 60 days during initial investigation

Establishes the Fraud Prevention and Recovery Account to receive the Commonwealth's share of recovered funds from General Fund-related claims, with 20% of enforcement costs going to the Office of Attorney General

Prohibits employer retaliation against employees who report fraud or file qui tam actions, providing remedies including reinstatement, double back pay, and attorney fees, with a 10-year statute of limitations for false claims actions