§ 1-606. Definitions. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 1‑606.  Definitions.

The following words andphrases when used in this act have the following meanings, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise:

(1)        "AttorneyGeneral." – The Attorney General of North Carolina, or any deputy,assistant, or associate attorney general.

(2)        "Claim." –Any request or demand, whether under a contract or otherwise, for money orproperty and whether or not the State has title to the money or property that(i) is presented to an officer, employee, or agent of the State or (ii) is madeto a contractor, grantee, or other recipient, if the money or property is to bespent or used on the State's behalf or to advance a State program or interestand if the State government:

a.         Provides or hasprovided any portion of the money or property that is requested or demanded; or

b.         Will reimburse suchcontractor, grantee, or other recipient for any portion of the money orproperty which is requested or demanded.

A claimdoes not include requests or demands for money or property that the State haspaid to an individual as compensation for State employment or as an incomesubsidy with no restrictions on that individual's use of the money or property.

(3)        "Judiciary."– A justice or judge of the General Court of Justice or clerk of court.

(4)        "Knowing"and "knowingly." – Whenever a person, with respect to information,does any of the following:

a.         Has actual knowledgeof the information.

b.         Acts in deliberateignorance of the truth or falsity of the information.

c.         Acts in recklessdisregard of the truth or falsity of the information.

Proofof specific intent to defraud is not required.

(5)        "Material"means having a natural tendency to influence, or be capable of influencing, thepayment or receipt of money or property.

(6)        "Obligation"means an established duty, whether or not fixed, arising from an express orimplied contractual, grantor‑grantee, or licensor‑licenseerelationship, from a fee‑based or similar relationship, from statute orregulation, or from the retention of any overpayment.

(7)        "Publicemployee," "public official," and "public employment"includes federal, State, and local employees and officials.

(8)        "Seniorexecutive branch official." – The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, member ofthe Council of State, or head of department as defined in G.S. 143B‑3.  (2009‑554, s. 1.)