Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 292

Bill Title: Maryland False Claims Act

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegate Smigiel, et al

Subject: Civil Liability

Committee: JUD

Bill Summary: This bill would: (1) Establish penalties and damages for any person submitting a false claim for state-funded benefit or contract; (2) Authorize a person to file suit on behalf of the state for such false claims, and receive up to 30% of the proceeds of the suit, plus attorney's fees and costs; and (3) Provide penalties and damages against an employer that retaliates against a whistleblower.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary: The state should directly prosecute any person who defrauds the state under a benefit program or contract. However, it is inappropriate for the state to authorize a bounty hunter system for the enforcement of state fraud statutes. A bounty hunter system will lead to needless litigation and harassment of government contractors by overzealous trial lawyers.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Ron Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.