HB594 Alabama 2012 Session

Existing law does not provide a specific remedy for the state to pursue damages sustained when a person or entity commits false or fraudulent acts against the state

This bill would establish the Alabama False Claims Act, to provide a remedy for combating fraud in government programs

This bill would provide that certain persons who make false claims or commit fraud against the state shall be liable to the state for three times the amount of damage sustained, a civil penalty, and any associated costs, including attorneys' fees

This bill would provide for the responsibilities of the Attorney General and individuals, as qui tam plaintiffs, in investigating and proceeding against violators in civil actions

This bill would prohibit any employer from taking retaliatory action or preventing an employee from disclosing information to government or law enforcement agencies investigating false or fraudulent claims actions

This bill would also provide for the limitation of actions

To create the Alabama False Claims Act, relating to false or fraudulent claims made upon state government; to subject certain violators, making false claims or committing fraud against the state to treble damages and civil penalties; to provide for the award of attorneys' fees; to provide for the responsibilities of the Attorney General and individuals, as qui tam plaintiffs, in investigating and proceeding against violators in civil actions; to prohibit retaliatory actions by employers against employees who disclose information to government or law enforcement agencies investigating false claims actions; and to provide for the limitation of actions.