Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 272

Bill Title: Maryland False Health Claims Act of 2009

Bill Sponsor(s): The President (Administration), et al

Subject: Civil Liability

Committee: JPR

Bill Summary: This bill wouldhave : (1) Established penalties and damages for any person submitting a false claim for a state-funded health benefit or contract; (2) Authorized 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) Provided penalties and damages against an employer that retaliated against a whistleblower.

History: Last year the Chamber opposed SB 215, which failed in the Senate on 3rd reading 21 - 25. In 2009 SB 272 again failed in the Senate on 3rd reading 23-24.

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 (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

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