The Wyoming False Claims Act establishes civil penalties for individuals who make false claims against state employees and officials. It defines key terms such as "claim," "false claims law investigation," and "knowing," and outlines the actions that can lead to liability, including knowingly presenting false claims or records. The act stipulates that violators may be liable for three times the damages incurred by the state, along with civil penalties ranging from $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim. It also provides exceptions for certain claims, such as those related to workers' compensation and Medicaid services.
Additionally, the act includes provisions for protecting individuals who report violations, allowing them to seek relief from retaliatory actions. It establishes a statute of limitations for bringing civil actions and outlines the procedures for lawsuits, including the role of the attorney general and prosecuting authorities. A new account is created to manage proceeds from actions taken under this act, with funds allocated to support investigations and prosecutions of false claims. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.