| SB 6234-S - DIGEST |
| (DIGEST AS ENACTED) |
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. |
Requires the commissioner to prepare a periodic report of the activities of the fraud program. 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, the amount of money recovered, and any recommendations of the insurance advisory board. |
| VETO MESSAGE ON SSB 6234 |
| March 28, 2006 |
| To the Honorable President and Members, |
| The Senate of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning, without my approval as to Section 18, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6234 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to insurance fraud." |
| Part of SSB 6234 creates a new exemption for certain documents under the Public Disclosure Act. Section 17 adds the exemption to the new public disclosure act section, RCW 42.56.400. Chapter 42.56 RCW takes effect July 1, 2006. |
| Section 18 also adds the same exemption as a new section to Chapter 42.17 RCW. Chapter 42.17 RCW, however, expires on July 1, 2006. Consequently, we should not add a new statutory exemption to that Chapter. Pursuant to Section 17 of SSB 6234, the new exemption will be in the proper Chapter. Therefore, to avoid duplication and the inadvertent creation of a technical problem, Section 18 must be vetoed. |
| For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 18 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 6234. |
| With the exception of Section 18, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6234 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine O. Gregoire |
| Governor |