2A:32C-5 Investigation of violation; civil actions.

5. a. The Attorney General shall investigate a violation of this act. If the Attorney General finds that a person has violated or is violating this act, the Attorney General may bring a civil action in State or federal court against the person. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction over a State action brought pursuant to this act.

b. A person may bring a civil action for a violation of this act for the person and for the State. Civil actions instituted under this act shall be brought in the name of the State of New Jersey.

c. A complaint filed by a person under this act shall remain under seal for at least 60 days and shall not be served on the defendant until the court so orders. Once filed, the action may be voluntarily dismissed by the person bringing the action if the Attorney General gives written consent to the dismissal along with the reason for consenting, and the court approves the dismissal.

d. A complaint alleging a false claim filed under this act shall be so designated when filed, in accordance with the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey. Immediately upon filing of the complaint, the plaintiff shall serve by registered mail, return receipt requested, the Attorney General with a copy of the complaint and written disclosure of substantially all material evidence and information the person possesses. The Attorney General may elect to intervene and proceed with the action on behalf of the State within 60 days after it receives both the complaint and the material evidence and information.

e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2009, c.265)

f. The Attorney General may, for good cause shown, request that the court extend the time during which the complaint remains under seal. Any such motion may be supported by affidavits or other submissions in camera.

g. Before the expiration of the 60-day period or any extensions obtained under subsection f., the Attorney General shall:

(1) file a pleading with the court that he intends to proceed with the action, in which case the action is conducted by the Attorney General and the seal shall be lifted; or

(2) file a pleading with the court that he declines to proceed with the action, in which case the seal shall be lifted and the person bringing the action shall have the right to conduct the action.

h. The defendant's answer to any complaint filed under this act shall be filed in accordance with the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey after the complaint is unsealed and served upon the defendant.

i. When a person files an action under this act, no other person except the State may intervene or bring a related action based on the facts underlying the pending action.

L.2007, c.265, s.5; amended 2009, c.265, s.1.