The bill amends New Jersey's existing legislation on insurance fraud, specifically P.L.1985, c.179 (C.17:23A-1 et seq.), to enhance information sharing and civil immunity related to insurance fraud. Key changes include the removal of the term "Definitions" from Section 2, replaced with a more comprehensive introduction to the act, and an expanded definition of "Agent" to encompass insurance producers. The definition of "Commissioner" is updated to specify the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, while new terms such as "medical-care institution" and "insurance transaction" are introduced to improve clarity. Additionally, Section 13 is modified to outline the conditions under which personal or privileged information can be disclosed, emphasizing the necessity of written authorization from the individual concerned.

The bill also aims to broaden the civil immunity for individuals and entities involved in disclosing information related to insurance fraud. It modifies the New Jersey Insurance Information Practices Act and the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act to expand definitions of insurance-support organizations and privileged information, allowing for the collection and reporting of information on any person or entity involved in insurance transactions. The scope of permitted disclosures is enhanced, enabling insurance carriers and agents to share privileged information with other insurance institutions, law enforcement, and fraud prevention entities. The bill introduces new immunity provisions for those providing information to the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance and law enforcement, ultimately aiming to strengthen the fight against insurance fraud through improved collaboration and information sharing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17:23A-2, 17:23A-13, 17:23A-20, 17:23A-21, 17:33A-9