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 origin and cause of the loss, and the NAIC company number. 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, providing details and any investigation findings upon request. The bill also ensures that the information reported is confidential and privileged, not subject to public disclosure, while allowing the insurance commissioner to share aggregate data for public safety and regulatory purposes.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing requirement for insurers to notify the chief of the Washington state patrol about suspected non-accidental fire losses, shifting this responsibility to the insurance commissioner. It also includes provisions for the insurance commissioner to adopt necessary rules for implementation and mandates the posting of quarterly reports based on aggregate findings of fire loss reports on their website after a year of the reporting requirements being initiated. The bill aims to enhance the reporting process and improve the handling of fire loss claims while maintaining confidentiality and encouraging cooperation with law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 42.56.400, 48.05.320, 48.50.040
Substitute Bill: 42.56.400, 48.05.320, 48.50.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 42.56.400, 48.05.320, 48.50.040
Session Law: 42.56.400, 48.05.320, 48.50.040