The bill amends several sections of Washington state law regarding the reporting of fire losses by insurers. It establishes that within 30 days of closing a claim related to fire loss or damage, insurers must report to the insurance commissioner, detailing the property address, date of loss, payment amounts, known or suspected causes 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, providing details and any investigation findings upon request. The bill also emphasizes the confidentiality of the information reported, protecting it from public disclosure and civil subpoenas.

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 ensure that sensitive information remains protected.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 42.56.400, 48.05.320, 48.50.040