Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 187

Bill Title: Maryland False Claims Act

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Lenett

Subject: Civil Liability

Committee: JPR

Bill Summary: This bill would: (1) Establish penalties and damages for any person submitting a false claim for state or county funded benefit or contract; (2) Authorize a person to file suit on behalf of the state or county 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 retaliated against a whistleblower.

History: In 2008 the Chamber opposed SB 845, which died without a vote in the Judicial Proceedings Committee. In 2009 SB 830 received an unfavorable report from the Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary:Governments should directly prosecute any person who defrauds them under a benefit program or contract. It is inappropriate for a government to authorize a bounty hunter system for the enforcement of fraud statutes. Such a law would lead to needless litigation and harassment of government contractors by overzealous trial lawyers.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

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