Connecticut Senate Bill SB00847

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/17
• Refer: 2/16/17

Caption

An Act Allowing Police Officers To Obtain Information To Be Furnished Relative To Fire Losses.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to amend Section 38a-318 of the general statutes and will allow authorized agencies—including the State Fire Marshal, local fire marshals, and specific police officers—to request and receive pertinent information from insurers. This could result in a more efficient investigation process for fire-related incidents, potentially improving public safety outcomes by enabling quicker identification of arson or other illicit activities. By streamlining information sharing between insurance companies and law enforcement, the bill could help close gaps in current investigative practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 847 aims to enhance the ability of police officers and authorized agencies to obtain information from insurance companies concerning fire losses, particularly those deemed suspicious or incendiary. The bill's main objective is to facilitate thorough investigations into fire incidents by ensuring that relevant insurance records are accessible to law enforcement. This includes information such as insurance policies, claims history, and any associated premium records that could aid in determining the origin of a fire and whether criminal activity was involved.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding privacy concerns and the implications for insurance companies. Opponents might argue that mandatory disclosure of sensitive client information could infringe on privacy rights and the confidentiality of policyholders. Additionally, there could be concerns over the potential liability of insurance companies in relation to their cooperation with investigations, as the bill stipulates that they will not be liable for damages unless fraud or malice is involved. These provisions may lead to discussions around balancing the need for thorough investigations with safeguarding individual rights.