House Bill No. 6826, Public Act No. 23-129, is an act concerning liability for false and fraudulent claims, which amends the general statutes regarding the definitions and penalties associated with such claims. The bill revises the definitions of terms such as "knowing" and "knowingly," "claim," "person," "state," "obligation," and "material," and removes the definition of "state-administered health or human services program." The term "material" now means having a natural tendency to influence, or be capable of influencing, the payment or receipt of money or property, while the definition of "obligation" includes the retention of an overpayment.

The bill also outlines various prohibited actions, such as knowingly presenting false claims, making false statements, and improperly avoiding obligations to pay the state, and removes language that previously limited these provisions to state-administered health or human services programs. Violators are subject to civil penalties, treble damages, and the costs of prosecution, with joint and several liability for co-conspirators. However, the bill provides for reduced damages if the violator cooperates with the state investigation. Additionally, the bill specifies that the state cannot assert a counterclaim, set-off, or defense alleging a violation of this section when it is a defendant, and exempts certain claims under tax laws from the provisions of this section. The Attorney General is authorized to investigate violations and bring civil actions, within available appropriations, and information obtained during investigations is exempt from disclosure. The act is effective from July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-274, 4-275
GAE Joint Favorable: 4-274, 4-275
File No. 283: 4-274, 4-275
APP Joint Favorable: 4-274, 4-275
File No. 765: 4-274, 4-275, 4-276
Public Act No. 23-129: 4-274, 4-275, 4-276