§14-2-1. Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to provide a simple and expeditious method for the consideration of claims against the state that because of the provisions of section 35, article VI of the constitution of the state, and of statutory restrictions, inhibitions or limitations, cannot be determined in the regular courts of the state; and to provide for proceedings in which the state has a special interest.

§14-2-2. Venue for certain suits and actions.
(a) The following proceedings shall be brought and prosecuted only in the circuit court of Kanawha County:

(1) Any suit in which the governor, any other state officer, or a state agency is made a party defendant, except as garnishee or suggestee.

(2) Any suit attempting to enjoin or otherwise suspend or affect a judgment or decree on behalf of the state obtained in any circuit court.

(b) Any proceeding for injunctive or mandamus relief involving the taking, title, or collection for or prevention of damage to real property may be brought and presented in the circuit court of the county in which the real property affected is situate.

This section shall apply only to such proceedings as are not prohibited by the constitutional immunity of the state from suit under section thirty-five, article six of the constitution of the state.

§14-2-2a. Venue for suits and actions involving West Virginia University and Marshall University.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section two of this article, any civil action in which the West Virginia University board of governors, West Virginia University, the West Virginia University Medical School, or any department or office of any of those entities, or any officer, employee, agent, intern or resident of any of those entities, acting within the scope of his or her employment, is made a party defendant, shall be brought in the circuit court of any county wherein the cause of action arose, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section two of this article, any civil action in which Marshall University board of governors, Marshall University, the Marshall University School of Medicine or any department or office of any of those entities, or any officer, employee, agent, intern or resident of any of those entities, acting within the scope of his or her employment, is made a party defendant, shall be brought in the circuit court of any county wherein the cause of action arose, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

(c) The exclusive venue provisions of this section are not applicable to:

(1) An action involving an entity or person named in subsections (a) or (b) of this section as garnishee or suggestee;

and

(2) A proceeding for injunctive or mandamus relief involving the taking, title, or collection for or prevention of damage to real property, and where general laws or court rules provide that proper venue is in the county in which the real property affected is situate.

(d) This section shall apply only to such proceedings as are not prohibited by the constitutional immunity of the state from suit under section thirty-five, article VI of the Constitution of the state.

§14-2-3. Definitions.
For the purpose of this article:

"Court" means the state court of claims established by section four of this article.

"Claim" means a claim authorized to be heard by the court in accordance with this article.

"Approved claim" means a claim found by the court to be one that should be paid under the provisions of this article.

"Award" means the amount recommended by the court to be paid in satisfaction of an approved claim.

"Clerk" means the clerk of the court of claims.

"State agency" means a state department, board, commission, institution, or other administrative agency of state government: Provided, That a "state agency" shall not be considered to include county courts, county boards of education, municipalities, or any other political or local subdivision of the state regardless of any state aid that might be provided.

§14-2-4. Creation of court of claims; appointment and terms of judges; vacancies.
The "court of claims" is hereby created. It shall consist of three judges, to be appointed by the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Delegates, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, one of whom shall be appointed presiding judge. Each appointment to the court shall be made from a list of three qualified nominees furnished by the board of governors of the West Virginia State Bar.

The terms of the judges of this court shall be six years, except that the first members of the court shall be appointed as follows: One judge for two years, one judge for four years and one judge for six years. As these appointments expire, all appointments shall be for six year terms. Not more than two of the judges shall be of the same political party. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term.

§14-2-4a. Interim judges.
(a) If at any time two or more of the judges appointed under section four of this article are temporarily unable, due to illness or other incapacity, to perform their responsibilities the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Delegates may appoint one or two interim judges to serve under the conditions specified in this section.

(b) Appointments made under this section are temporary. An interim judge serves under this section until the judge for whom the interim judge is temporarily replacing can resume his or her duties. In no event may the interim judge serve for more than three months unless reappointed.

(c) Appointments made under this section shall be made from a list furnished to the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Delegates by the board of governors of the West Virginia state bar. The board of governors of the West Virginia state bar shall annually, on or before the fifteenth day of January, submit a list of twenty qualified nominees. In two thousand four, the list shall be submitted before the first day of April.

(d) An interim judge:

(1) Is entitled to the same compensation and expense reimbursement a judge is entitled to under the provisions of section eight of this article;

(2) Shall take the oath of office as required in section nine of this article;

(3) Has all the authority given to a judge under this article; and

(4) Is required to possess the qualifications required of a judge in section ten of this article.

(e) The president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Delegates may jointly terminate the appointment of any interim judge appointed under this section at any time.

§14-2-5. Court clerk and other personnel.
The court may appoint a clerk, chief deputy clerk and deputy clerks. The salaries of the clerk, the chief deputy clerk and the deputy clerks shall be fixed by the joint committee on government and finance, and shall be paid out of the regular appropriation for the court. The clerk shall have custody of and maintain all records and proceedings of the court, shall attend meetings and hearings of the court, shall administer oaths and affirmations and shall issue all official summonses, subpoenas, orders, statements and awards. The chief deputy clerk or another deputy clerk shall act in the place and stead of the clerk in the clerk's absence.

The joint committee on government and finance may employ other persons whose services are necessary to the orderly transaction of the business of the court and fix their compensation.

§14-2-6. Terms of court.
The court shall hold at least two regular terms each year, on the second Monday in April and September. So far as possible, the court shall not adjourn a regular term until all claims then upon its docket and ready for hearing or other consideration have been disposed of.

Special terms or meetings may be called by the clerk at the request of the court whenever the number of claims awaiting consideration, or any other pressing matter of official business, make such a term advisable.

§14-2-7. Meeting place of the court.
The regular meeting place of the court shall be at the state capitol, and the joint committee on government and finance shall provide adequate quarters therefor. When deemed advisable, in order to facilitate the full hearing of claims arising elsewhere in the state, the court may convene at any county seat or other location in the state, including a correctional institution: Provided, That the court will make reasonable efforts to meet in appropriate public or private buildings in keeping with the dignity and decorum of the state.

§14-2-8. Compensation of judges; expenses.
Each judge of the court shall receive two hundred ten dollars for each day actually served and expenses incurred in the performance of his or her duties paid at the same per diem rate as members of the Legislature: Provided, That the presiding judge shall receive an additional fifty dollars for each day actually served. In addition to the expense per diem, each judge may, when using his or her own vehicle, be reimbursed for mileage at the mileage rate equal to the amount paid by the travel management office of the department of administration. The number of days served by each judge shall not exceed one hundred in any fiscal year, except by authority of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance: Provided, That in computing the number of days served, days utilized solely for the exercise of duties assigned to judges and commissioners by the provisions of article two-a of this chapter shall be disregarded. For the purpose of this section, time served shall include time spent in the hearing of claims, in the consideration of the record, in the preparation of opinions and in necessary travel.

§14-2-9. Oath of office.
Each judge shall before entering upon the duties of his office, take and subscribe to the oath prescribed by section 5, article IV of the constitution of the state. The oath shall be filed with the clerk.

§14-2-10. Qualifications of judges.
Each judge appointed to the court of claims shall be an attorney at law, licensed to practice in this state, and shall have been so licensed to practice law for a period of not less than ten years prior to his appointment as judge. A judge shall not be an officer or an employee of any branch of state government, except in his capacity as a member of the court and shall receive no other compensation from the state or any of its political subdivisions. A judge shall not hear or participate in the consideration of any claim in which he is interested personally, either directly or indirectly.

§14-2-11. Attorney general to represent state.
The attorney general shall represent the interests of the state in all claims coming before the court.

§14-2-12. General powers of the court.
The court shall, in accordance with this article, consider claims which, but for the constitutional immunity of the state from suit, or for some statutory restrictions, inhibitions or limitations, could be maintained in the regular courts of the state. No liability shall be imposed upon the state or any state agency by a determination of the court of claims approving a claim and recommending an award, unless the claim is (1) made under an existing appropriation, in accordance with section nineteen of this article, or (2) a claim under a special appropriation, as provided in section twenty of this article. The court shall consider claims in accordance with the provisions of this article.

Except as is otherwise provided in this article, a claim shall be instituted by the filing of notice with the clerk. In accordance with rules promulgated by the court, each claim shall be considered by the court as a whole, or by a judge sitting individually, and if, after consideration, the court finds that a claim is just and proper, it shall so determine and shall file with the clerk a brief statement of its reasons. A claim so filed shall be an approved claim. The court shall also determine the amount that should be paid to the claimant, and shall itemize this amount as an award, with the reasons therefor, in its statement filed with the clerk. In determining the amount of a claim, interest shall not be allowed unless the claim is based upon a contract which specifically provides for the payment of interest.

§14-2-13. Jurisdiction of the court.
The jurisdiction of the court, except for the claims excluded by section fourteen, shall extend to the following matters:

1. Claims and demands, liquidated and unliquidated, ex contractu and ex delicto, against the state or any of its agencies, which the state as a sovereign commonwealth should in equity and good conscience discharge and pay.

2. Claims and demands, liquidated and unliquidated, ex contractu and ex delicto, which may be asserted in the nature of set-off or counterclaim on the part of the state or any state agency.

3. The legal or equitable status, or both, of any claim referred to the court by the head of a state agency for an advisory determination.

§14-2-13a. Claims for unjust arrest and imprisonment or conviction and imprisonment.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares that innocent persons who have been wrongly convicted of crimes and subsequently imprisoned and innocent persons wrongly arrested, charged with a crime or imprisoned, who have subsequently been released when another person was arrested, prosecuted and convicted of the same criminal offense have been frustrated in seeking legal redress due to a variety of substantive and technical obstacles in the law and that such persons should have an available avenue of redress over and above the existing tort remedies to seek compensation for damages. The Legislature intends by enactment of the provisions of this section that those innocent persons who can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that they were unjustly arrested and imprisoned or unjustly convicted and imprisoned be able to recover damages against the state. In light of the substantial burden of proof that must be carried by such persons, it is the intent of the Legislature that the court, in exercising its discretion as permitted by law regarding the weight and admissibility of evidence submitted pursuant to this section, shall, in the interest of justice, give due consideration to difficulties of proof caused by the passage of time, the death or unavailability of witnesses, the destruction of evidence or other factors not caused by such persons or those acting on their behalf.

(b) Any person arrested or imprisoned or convicted and subsequently imprisoned for one or more felonies or misdemeanors against the state which he did not commit may, under the conditions hereinafter provided, present a claim for damages against the state.

(c) In order to present the claim for unjust arrest or imprisonment, claimant must establish by documentary evidence that he has been arrested and imprisoned, or both arrested and imprisoned and charged by warrant, information or indictment for one or more felonies against the state and that subsequently another person was arrested or prosecuted and convicted for the same criminal offense or offenses and all charges against the claimant were dismissed.

(d) In order to present the claim for unjust arrest, imprisonment or conviction and imprisonment, claimant must establish by documentary evidence that (1) he has been convicted of one or more felonies or misdemeanors against the state and subsequently sentenced to a term of imprisonment, and has served all or any part of the sentence; and (2) he has been pardoned upon the ground of innocence of the crime or crimes for which he was sentenced and which are the grounds for the complaint; or (3) his judgment of conviction was reversed or vacated, and the accusatory instrument dismissed or, if a new trial was ordered, either he was found not guilty at the new trial or he was not retried and the accusatory instrument dismissed; or (4) the statue, or application thereof, on which the accusatory instrument was based violated the constitution of the United States or the state of West Virginia; and (5) his claim is not time barred by the provisions of subdivision (h) of this section.

(e) The claim shall state facts in sufficient detail to permit the court to find that claimant is likely to succeed at trial in proving that (1) in the case of an unjust arrest or imprisonment with a warrant, information or indictment which was subsequently dismissed that another person was arrested or prosecuted and convicted for the same offense or offenses, and (2) in the case of an unjust conviction and imprisonment that he did not commit any of the acts charged in the accusatory instrument or his acts or omissions charged in the accusatory instrument did not constitute a felony or misdemeanor against the state, and (3) he did not by his own conduct cause or bring about his conviction. The claim shall be verified. If the court finds after reading the claim that claimant is not likely to succeed at trial, it shall dismiss the claim, either on its own motion or on the motion of the state.

(f) In order to obtain a judgment in his favor, claimant must prove by clear and convincing evidence that:

(1) He has been arrested and imprisoned, or both arrested and imprisoned, and charged by warrant, information or indictment for one or more felonies, and that the charges were dismissed against him when another person was subsequently charged, arrested and convicted of the same felony or felonies;

(2) He has been convicted of one or more felonies or misdemeanors against the state and subsequently sentenced to a term of imprisonment, and has served all or any part of the sentence; or

(3) (A) He has been pardoned upon the ground of innocence of the crime or crimes for which he was sentenced and which are the grounds for the complaint; or (B) his judgment of conviction was reversed or vacated, and the accusatory instrument dismissed or, if a new trial was ordered, either he was found not guilty at the new trial or he was not retried and the accusatory instrument dismissed; or (C) the statute, or application thereof, on which the accusatory instrument was based violated the constitution of the United States or the state of West Virginia;

(4) He did not commit any of the acts charged in the accusatory instrument or his acts or omissions charged in the accusatory instrument did not constitute a felony or misdemeanor against the state; and

(5) He did not by his own conduct cause or bring about his conviction.

(g) If the court finds that the claimant is entitled to a judgment, it shall award damages in such sum of money as the court determines will fairly and reasonably compensate him.

(h) Any person claiming compensation under this section based on a pardon that was granted before the effective date of this section or the dismissal of an accusatory instrument that occurred before the effective date of this section shall file his claim within two years after the effective date of this section. Any person claiming compensation under this section based on a pardon that was granted on or after the effective date of this section or the dismissal of an accusatory instrument that occurred on or after the effective date of this section shall file his claim within two years after the pardon or dismissal.

(i) Any person claiming compensation under this section based on the dismissal of a felony charge or charges against him when another person is subsequently charged, arrested and convicted of the same felony charge or charges based upon a dismissal of the felony charge or charges that occurred before the effective date of this section shall file his claim within one year after the effective date of this section.

§14-2-14. Claims excluded.
The jurisdiction of the court shall not extend to any claim:

1. For loss, damage, or destruction of property or for injury or death incurred by a member of the militia or national guard when in the service of the state.

2. For a disability or death benefit under chapter twenty- three of this code.

3. For unemployment compensation under chapter twenty-one-a of this code.

4. For relief or public assistance under chapter nine of this code.

5. With respect to which a proceeding may be maintained against the state, by or on behalf of the claimant in the courts of the state.

§14-2-15. Rules of practice and procedure.

The court shall adopt and may from time to time amend rules of procedure, in accordance with the provisions of this article, governing proceedings before the court. Rules shall be designed to assure a simple, expeditious and inexpensive consideration of claims. Rules shall permit a claimant to appear in his own behalf or be represented by counsel.

Discovery may be used in a case pending before the court in the same manner that discovery is conducted pursuant to the rules of civil procedure for trial courts of record, rules 26 through 36. The court may compel discovery and impose sanctions for a failure to make discovery, in the same manner as a court is authorized to do under the provisions of rule 37 of the rules of civil procedure for trial courts of record: Provided, That the court of claims shall not find a person in contempt for failure to comply with an order compelling discovery.

The court, upon its own motion or upon motion of a party, may strike a pleading, motion or other paper which: (1) Is not well-grounded in fact; (2) is not warranted by existing law, or is not based on a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law; or (3) is interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in costs. An order striking a pleading, motion, or paper may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the pleading, motion, or other paper, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

Under its rules, the court shall not be bound by the usual common law or statutory rules of evidence. The court may accept and weigh, in accordance with its evidential value, any information that will assist the court in determining the factual basis of a claim.

§14-2-16. Regular procedure.
The regular procedure for the consideration of claims shall be substantially as follows:

1. The claimant shall give notice to the clerk that he desires to maintain a claim. Notice shall be in writing and shall be in sufficient detail to identify the claimant, the circumstances giving rise to the claim, and the state agency concerned, if any. The claimant shall not otherwise be held to any formal requirement of notice.

2. The clerk shall transmit a copy of the notice to the state agency concerned. The state agency may deny the claim, or may request a postponement of proceedings to permit negotiations with the claimant. If the court finds that a claim is prima facie within its jurisdiction, it shall order the claim to be placed upon its regular docket for hearing.

3. During the period of negotiations and pending hearing, the state agency, represented by the attorney general, shall, if possible, reach an agreement with the claimant regarding the facts upon which the claim is based so as to avoid the necessity for the introduction of evidence at the hearing. If the parties are unable to agree upon the facts an attempt shall be made to stipulate the questions of fact in issue.

4. The court shall so conduct the hearing as to disclose all material facts and issues of liability and may examine or cross-examine witnesses. The court may call witnesses or require evidence not produced by the parties; may stipulate the questions to be argued by the parties; and may continue the hearing until some subsequent time to permit a more complete presentation of the claim.

5. After the close of the hearing the court shall consider the claim and shall conclude its determination, if possible, within thirty days.

§14-2-17. Shortened procedure.
The shortened procedure authorized by this section shall apply only to a claim possessing all of the following characteristics:

1. The claim does not arise under an appropriation for the current fiscal year.

2. The state agency concerned concurs in the claim.

3. The amount claimed does not exceed one thousand dollars.

4. The claim has been approved by the attorney general as one that, in view of the purposes of this article, should be paid.

The state agency concerned shall prepare the record of the claim consisting of all papers, stipulations and evidential documents required by the rules of the court and file the same with the clerk. The court shall consider the claim informally upon the record submitted. If the court determines that the claim should be entered as an approved claim and an award made, it shall so order and shall file its statement with the clerk. If the court finds that the record is inadequate, or that the claim should not be paid, it shall reject the claim. The rejection of a claim under this section shall not bar its resubmission under the regular procedure.

§14-2-18. Advisory determination procedure.
The Governor or the head of a state agency may refer to the court for an advisory determination the question of the legal or equitable status, or both, of a claim against the state or a state agency. This procedure shall apply only to such claims as are within the jurisdiction of the court. The procedure shall be substantially as follows:

1. There shall be filed with the clerk the record of the claim, including a full statement of the facts, the contentions of the claimant and such other materials as the rules of the court may require. The record shall submit specific questions for the court's consideration.

2. The clerk shall examine the record submitted. If he or she finds that it is adequate under the rules, he or she shall give a copy of all materials submitted to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. If the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall so direct, the clerk shall place the claim on a special docket. If the clerk finds the record inadequate, he or she shall refer it back to the officer submitting it with the request that the necessary additions or changes be made.

3. When a claim is reached on the special docket, the court shall prepare a brief opinion for the information and guidance of the officer. The claim shall be considered informally and without hearing. A claimant shall not be entitled to appear in connection with the consideration of the claim.

4. The opinion shall be filed with the clerk. A copy shall be transmitted to the officer who referred the claim.

An advisory determination shall not bar the subsequent consideration of the same claim if properly submitted by, or on behalf of, the claimant. Such subsequent consideration, if undertaken, shall be de novo.

§14-2-19. Claims under existing appropriations.
A claim arising under an appropriation made by the Legislature during the fiscal year to which the appropriation applies, and falling within the jurisdiction of the court, may be submitted by:

1. A claimant whose claim has been rejected by the state agency concerned or by the State Auditor.

2. The head of the state agency concerned in order to obtain a determination of the matters in issue.

3. The State Auditor in order to obtain a full hearing and consideration of the merits.

When such submittal is made, the clerk shall give a copy of the submittal to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. If the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall so direct, the clerk shall place such claim on its docket. Upon its placement on the docket, the regular procedure, so far as applicable, shall govern the consideration of the claim by the court. If the court finds that the claimant should be paid, it shall certify the approved claim and award to the head of the appropriate state agency, the State Auditor and to the Governor. The governor may thereupon instruct the Auditor to issue his or her warrant in payment of the award and to charge the amount thereof to the proper appropriation. The Auditor shall forthwith notify the state agency that the claim has been paid. Such an expenditure shall not be subject to further review by the Auditor upon any matter determined and certified by the court.

§14-2-20. Claims under special appropriations.
Whenever the Legislature makes an appropriation for the payment of claims against the state, then accrued or arising during the ensuing fiscal year, the determination of claims and the payment thereof may be made in accordance with this section. However, this section shall apply only if the Legislature in making its appropriation specifically so provides and only after specific direction to hear the claim is given by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

The claim shall be considered and determined by the regular or shortened procedure, as the case may be, and the amount of the award shall be fixed by the court. The clerk shall certify each approved claim and award, and requisition relating thereto, to the Auditor. The Auditor thereupon shall issue his or her warrant to the Treasurer in favor of the claimant. The Auditor shall issue his or her warrant without further examination or review of the claim except for the question of a sufficient unexpended balance in the appropriation.

§14-2-21. Periods of limitation made applicable.
The court shall not take jurisdiction of any claim, whether accruing before or after the effective date of this article (July one, one thousand nine hundred sixty-seven), unless notice of such claim be filed with the clerk within such period of limitation as would be applicable under the pertinent provisions of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty- one, as amended, if the claim were against a private person, firm or corporation and the constitutional immunity of the state from suit were not involved and such period of limitation may not be waived or extended. The foregoing provision shall not be held to limit or restrict the right of any person, firm or corporation who or which had a claim against the state or any state agency, pending before the attorney general on the effective date of this article (July one, one thousand nine hundred sixty-seven), from presenting such claim to the court of claims, nor shall it limit or restrict the right to file such a claim which was, on the effective date of this article (July one, one thousand nine hundred sixty-seven), pending in any court of record as a legal claim and which, after such date was or may be adjudicated in such court to be invalid as a claim against the state because of the constitutional immunity of the state from suit.

§14-2-22. Compulsory process.
In all hearings and proceedings before the court, the evidence and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence may be required. Subpoenas may be issued by the court for appearance at any designated place of hearing. In case of disobedience to a subpoena or other process, the court may invoke the aid of any circuit court in requiring the evidence and testimony of witnesses, and the production of books, papers and documents. Upon proper showing, the circuit court shall issue an order requiring witnesses to appear before the court of claims; produce books, papers and other evidence; and give testimony touching the matter in question. A person failing to obey the order may be punished by the circuit court as for contempt.

§14-2-23. Inclusion of awards in budget.

The clerk shall certify to the department of finance and administration, on or before the twentieth day of November of each year, a list of all awards recommended by the court to the Legislature for appropriation. The clerk may certify supplementary lists to the governor to include subsequent awards made by the court. The governor shall include all awards so certified in his proposed budget bill transmitted to the Legislature. Any other provision of this article or of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the clerk shall not certify any award which has been previously certified.

§14-2-24. Records to be preserved.

The record of each claim considered by the court, including all documents, papers, briefs, transcripts of testimony and other materials, shall be preserved by the clerk for a period of ten years from the date of entry of the court's last order and shall be made available to the Legislature or any committee thereof for the reexamination of the claim. When any such documents, papers, briefs, transcripts and other materials have been so preserved by the clerk for such ten year period, the same shall be transferred to the state records administrator for preservation or disposition in accordance with the provisions of article eight, chapter five of this code without cost, either to the court or the Legislature.

§14-2-25. Reports of the court.
The clerk shall be the official reporter of the court. He shall collect and edit the approved claims, awards and statements, shall prepare them for submission to the Legislature in the form of an annual report and shall prepare them for publication.

Claims and awards shall be separately classified as follows:

1. Approved claims and awards not satisfied but referred to the Legislature for final consideration and appropriation.

2. Approved claims and awards satisfied by payments out of regular appropriations.

3. Approved claims and awards satisfied by payment out of a special appropriation made by the Legislature to pay claims arising during the fiscal year.

4. Claims rejected by the court with the reasons therefor.

5. Advisory determinations made at the request of the governor or the head of a state agency.

The court may include any other information or recommendations pertaining to the performance of its duties.

The court shall transmit its annual report to the presiding officer of each house of the Legislature, and a copy shall be made available to any member of the Legislature upon request therefor. The reports of the court shall be published biennially by the clerk as a public document. The biennial report shall be filed with the clerk of each house of the Legislature, the governor and the attorney general.

§14-2-26. Fraudulent claims.
A person who knowingly and wilfully presents or attempts to present a false or fraudulent claim, or a state officer or employee who knowingly and wilfully participates or assists in the preparation or presentation of a false or fraudulent claim, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. A person convicted, in a court of competent jurisdiction, of violation of this section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, in the discretion of such court. If the convicted person is a state officer or employee, he shall, in addition, forfeit his office or position of employment, as the case may be.

§14-2-27. Conclusiveness of determination.
Any final determination against the claimant on any claim presented as provided in this article shall forever bar any further claim in the court arising out of the rejected claim.

§14-2-28. Award as condition precedent to appropriation.
It is the policy of the Legislature to make no appropriation to pay any claims against the state, cognizable by the court, unless the claim has first been passed upon by the court.

§14-2-29. Severability.
If any provision of this article or the application thereof to any person or circumstance be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the article which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this article are declared to be severable.