This bill amends several sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to strengthen regulations and penalties related to fraudulent insurance acts. Key changes include the redefinition of terms and updates to provisions concerning residential contracts, notice of cancellations, and the assignment of rights or benefits under the Insured Homeowners Protection Act. The bill specifies that a person or entity commits a fraudulent insurance act if they knowingly present false information in claims, assist in fraudulent activities, or misrepresent themselves as licensed public adjusters. It introduces new definitions, such as "post-loss assignment," and clarifies the roles and limitations of residential contractors and public adjusters.

Additionally, the bill establishes stricter penalties for various fraudulent activities, categorizing violations based on the amount involved, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. It prohibits residential contractors from promising to rebate any portion of an insurance deductible and restricts them from soliciting post-loss assignments, which are deemed against public policy. The bill also outlines specific requirements for public adjuster contracts, including the necessity for written agreements detailing the adjuster's compensation and the rights of the insured, while mandating that public adjusters provide a separate disclosure document to clients. Overall, the bill aims to enhance consumer protection by ensuring transparency and ethical practices in the insurance claims process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-631, 44-6604, 44-8602, 44-8603, 44-8604, 44-8605, 44-9204, 44-9214, 44-9217