The bill amends several sections of Washington state law regarding the reporting of fire losses by insurers. It establishes that within 90 days of closing a claim related to fire loss or damage, insurers must report specific information to the insurance commissioner, including the property address, date of loss, amount paid, known or suspected cause of the loss, and any other information required by the commissioner. Additionally, if an insurer suspects that a fire loss may be due to criminal activity, they are required to report this immediately to local or tribal law enforcement and the insurance commissioner, along with any relevant investigation details. The bill also ensures that the information reported is confidential and privileged, not subject to public disclosure.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing reporting structure by removing the requirement to report to the chief of the Washington state patrol and instead mandates reporting to the insurance commissioner. It also includes provisions for sharing information with various regulatory and law enforcement agencies while maintaining confidentiality. The bill aims to enhance the reporting process for fire losses, improve coordination between insurers and law enforcement, and protect sensitive information related to insurance claims.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 42.56.400, 48.05.320, 48.50.040
Substitute Bill: 42.56.400, 48.05.320, 48.50.040