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WI SB1086
Bill
Status
3/4/2026
Primary Sponsor
Jeff Smith
Click for details
AI Summary
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Restores authority for private individuals to file qui tam lawsuits on behalf of the state against persons who submit false claims to Wisconsin's Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program, reversing a provision eliminated in 2015 Wisconsin Act 55
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Private plaintiffs who bring successful qui tam actions may receive 15-30% of recovered proceeds depending on their contribution to the case, plus reasonable expenses and attorney fees
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Violators face treble damages (3 times the amount of damages sustained or would have been sustained by the state) plus civil forfeitures in the range specified under the federal False Claims Act (31 USC 3729)
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Complaints remain under seal for 60 days while the Attorney General decides whether to intervene; if the state declines to proceed, the private plaintiff may continue the action independently
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Establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for false claims actions and includes whistleblower protections entitling retaliated employees to reinstatement, double back pay, and attorney fees
Legislative Description
Restoring private individual authority to bring a qui tam claim against a person for making a false claim for medical assistance, actions by the attorney general against a person for making a false claim for medical assistance, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Last Action
Read first time and referred to Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety
3/4/2026