HB 2482-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Declares that the purpose of this act is to confront the problem of insurance fraud in this state by making a concerted effort to detect insurance fraud, reduce the occurrence of fraud through criminal enforcement and deterrence, require restitution of fraudulently obtained insurance benefits, and reduce the amount of premium dollars used to pay fraudulent claims. The primary focus of the insurance fraud program is on organized fraudulent activities committed against insurance companies.

Establishes an insurance fraud program within the office of the insurance commissioner.

Provides that any insurer or licensee of the commissioner that has reasonable belief that an act of insurance fraud which is or may be a crime under Washington law has been, is being, or is about to be committed shall furnish and disclose the knowledge and information to the commissioner or the national insurance crime bureau, the national association of insurance commissioners, or similar organization, who shall disclose the information to the commissioner, and cooperate fully with any investigation conducted by the commissioner.

Requires the commissioner to prepare an annual report of the activities of the fraud program. The report shall be submitted to the legislature no later than March 1st for the prior calendar year. The report shall, at a minimum, include information as to the number of cases reported to the commissioner, the number of cases referred for prosecution, the number of convictions obtained, and the amount of money recovered.