Signed by Governor John Bel Edwards

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that establishes the crime of government benefits fraud.

Highlights:

• Defines the crime of government benefits fraud as the act of any person who, with the intent to defraud the state or any of its entities, does any of the following (Sec. 1):

• Presents any fraudulent claim for furnishing services, merchandise, or payments;

• Makes a false statement on an application for assistance, goods, services, or payments; or

• Conceals or fails to disclose information affecting the continued eligibility to receive assistance, goods, services, or payments.

• Establishes punishment for the crime of government benefits fraud as imprisonment for up to 5 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text