The proposed bill amends Title 71 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by establishing the "Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Act," which aligns with the Federal False Claims Act. It introduces definitions for key terms such as "claim" and "false claim," and outlines the responsibilities of the Attorney General in investigating and prosecuting violations. The bill imposes significant penalties for individuals who knowingly present false claims, including triple damages and civil penalties, and allows for qui tam actions, enabling private individuals to sue on behalf of the Commonwealth. Additionally, it introduces civil investigative demands, which facilitate the gathering of information related to alleged violations, while ensuring protections for sensitive information and individual rights.

The bill also enhances the legal framework surrounding qui tam actions, empowering the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute violations, and clarifying the procedures for qui tam plaintiffs. It specifies the financial awards for these plaintiffs and establishes conditions under which their participation may be limited. Furthermore, the bill mandates cooperation from Commonwealth agencies in investigations and outlines protections for whistleblowers against retaliation. It allows the Attorney General to adopt temporary regulations for implementation and sets jurisdictional provisions for filing actions, with the chapter set to expire 20 years after its effective date. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the Commonwealth's ability to combat fraud and ensure accountability for false claims.