July 31, 2000 — Illinois Adopts Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act The State of Illinois has adopted the Whistleblower Reward and Protection Act which, similar to a federal false claims act, provides for monetary rewards to people who file claims to expose frauds which have been committed against the State of Illinois. Under the Act, a person, known as a “relator,” who is aware of a fraud which has been committed against the State of Illinois, can file a lawsuit to recover triple the amount defrauded, plus civil penalties of $5,000 to $10,000 for each false claim which a defendant has submitted to the State as part of the fraud. As a reward, the person filing such a claim generally becomes entitled to a monetary reward, typically between 15% and 30% of the monies recovered by the State. |