RCW 74.66.080 Qui tam action—Restrictions—Dismissal.

(1) In no event may a person bring a qui tam action which is based upon allegations or transactions which are the subject of a civil suit or an administrative civil money penalty proceeding in which the state is already a party.

(2)(a) The court must dismiss an action or claim under this section, unless opposed by the attorney general, if substantially the same allegations or transactions as alleged in the action or claim were publicly disclosed:

(i) In a state criminal, civil, or administrative hearing in which the attorney general or other governmental [government] entity is a party;

(ii) In a legislative report, or other state report, hearing, audit, or investigation; or

(iii) By the news media;

unless the action is brought by the attorney general or the relator is an original source of the information.

(b) For purposes of this section, "original source" means an individual who either (i) prior to a public disclosure under (a) of this subsection, has voluntarily disclosed to the attorney general the information on which allegations or transactions in a claim are based, or (ii) has knowledge that is independent of, and materially adds to, the publicly disclosed allegations or transactions, and who has voluntarily provided the information to the attorney general before filing an action under this section.

[ 2012 c 241 § 208.]

NOTES:

Sunset Act application: See note following chapter digest.

Intent—Finding—2012 c 241: See note following RCW 74.66.010.