The bill aims to enhance public safety and improve the enforcement of crimes related to insurance fraud and other offenses affecting the insurance industry and its consumers in Washington State. It introduces a new section that broadly defines "insurer" to include various types of insurance entities. The bill amends existing laws to shift the focus of the insurance fraud program from solely detecting fraud to also addressing other crimes impacting the insurance sector. It emphasizes the need for restitution to victims and seeks to alleviate the financial burden of fraudulent claims on insurance premiums. Additionally, the bill expands the powers of the insurance commissioner, allowing for the employment of personnel and the use of technology to detect and investigate insurance-related crimes, while mandating cooperation from insurers in reporting suspected fraudulent activities.

Moreover, the bill includes several amendments regarding insurance agreements and the prosecution of certain crimes. It requires any business entity registered in the state that finances an insurance premium to send a copy of the executed agreement and the associated insurance policy to the commissioner within 30 days. The bill clarifies that specific documents related to insurance fraud investigations are exempt from public inspection and can be shared with regulatory and law enforcement agencies. It establishes that victims of crimes involving insured persons or insurance companies are entitled to restitution in criminal prosecutions. Additionally, the bill modifies the statute of limitations for prosecuting certain offenses, stating that violations of RCW 48.135.010 may not be prosecuted more than 10 years after their commission or discovery, with provisions for extending limitation periods under specific circumstances. The bill concludes with a severability clause to ensure the enforceability of remaining provisions if any part is deemed invalid.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 48.135.005, 48.135.010, 48.135.020, 48.135.040, 48.135.050, 48.135.060, 48.135.070