Certain actions barred (a) An individual may not bring an action under subsection 632(b) of this chapter against a member of the State Legislative Branch, the Attorney General, a member of the Judiciary, or a senior Executive Branch official if the action is based on evidence or information known to the State when the action was brought. (b) An individual may not bring an action under subsection 632(b) of this chapter that is based upon allegations or transactions that are the subject of a civil suit or an administrative civil money penalty proceeding in which the State is already a party. (c) Unless opposed by the Attorney General, the court shall dismiss an action or claim under subsection 632(b) of this chapter if substantially the same allegations or transactions as alleged in the action or claim were publicly disclosed: (1) in a criminal, civil, or administrative hearing in which the State or its agent is a party; (2) in a State legislative, administrative, or State Auditor’s report, hearing, audit, or investigation; or (3) from the news media, unless the action is brought by the Attorney General or the person bringing the action is an original source of the ate Auditor’s report, hearing, audit, or investigation; or (3) from the news media, unless the action is brought by the Attorney General or the person bringing the action is an original source of the information. (Added 2015, No. 25, § 1, eff. May 18, 2015.)
Vermont Legal Code