The bill amends Sections 27-12A-6 and 27-12A-40 of the Code of Alabama 1975, concerning insurance fraud and the powers of the Department of Insurance's investigators. The statute of limitations for prosecuting insurance fraud is increased from two to seven years after the alleged violation is detected. Additionally, the bill specifies that investigators from the Department of Insurance will have the same powers as law enforcement officers, including the power of arrest and service of process, for any state law violations discovered during their investigations.

The Insurance Fraud Unit within the Department of Insurance is given the authority to perform various duties such as initiating inquiries, conducting investigations, inspecting records, issuing subpoenas, and making arrests for criminal violations related to insurance fraud or other state laws. Investigators are required to meet the minimum standards established for law enforcement officers by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. The bill also includes provisions for sharing information with other agencies and conducting investigations outside of the state. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27-12A-6, 27-12A-40
Enrolled: 27-12A-6, 27-12A-40