If the prosecuting attorney or a person who brought an action under section 15C.05 prevails in or settles an action under this chapter, the court shall award the prosecuting attorney or person reasonable costs, reasonable attorney fees, and the reasonable fees of expert consultants and expert witnesses. These expenses must be awarded against the defendant and are not allowed against the state or a political subdivision. If the prosecuting attorney does not intervene in the action and the person bringing the action conducts the action and the defendant prevails in the action, the court shall award to the defendant reasonable expenses and attorney fees against the person bringing the action if it finds that the action was clearly frivolous or vexatious or brought in substantial part for harassment. The state or a political subdivision is not liable for expenses, attorney fees, or other costs incurred by a person in bringing or defending an action under this chapter.
2009 c 101 art 2 s 35; 2013 c 16 s 5
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 15C - 16 — Fraudulent State Claims
Chapter 15C — False Claims Against The State
Section 15C.02 — Liability For Certain Acts.
Section 15C.04 — Responsibilities Of Prosecuting Attorney.
Section 15C.06 — Prosecuting Attorney Intervention; Motion To Extend Time; Unsealing Of Complaint.
Section 15C.07 — Service Of Unsealed Complaint And Response By Defendant.
Section 15C.08 — Prosecuting Attorney And Private Party Roles.
Section 15C.09 — Stay Of Discovery; Extension.
Section 15C.10 — Court-imposed Limitation Upon Participation Of Private Plaintiff In Action.
Section 15C.11 — Limitation Of Actions; Remedies.
Section 15C.12 — Award Of Expenses And Attorney Fees.
Section 15C.13 — Distribution To Private Plaintiff In Certain Actions.
Section 15C.145 — Relief From Retaliatory Actions.
Section 15C.15 — Deposit Of State Funds; False Claims Account.