2A:32C-2 - Definitions relative to false claims

2A:32C-2  Definitions relative to false claims.

2.As used in this act:

"Attorney General" means the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey, or his designee.

"Claim" means a request or demand, under a contract or otherwise, for money, property, or services that is made to any employee, officer, or agent of the State, or to any contractor, grantee, or other recipient if the State provides any portion of the money, property, or services requested or demanded, or if the State will reimburse the contractor, grantee, or other recipient for any portion of the money, property, or services requested or demanded.  The term does not include claims, records, or statements made in connection with State tax laws. 

"Knowing" or "knowingly" means, with respect to information, that a person:

(1)has actual knowledge of the information; or

(2)acts in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the information; or

(3)acts in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information.

No proof of specific intent to defraud is required.  Acts occurring by innocent mistake or as a result of mere negligence shall be a defense to an action under this act.

"State" means any of the principal departments in the Executive Branch of State government, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission or other instrumentality within or created by such department; and any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality or agency.

L.2007, c.265, s.2.