HB 17-1048: Prosecution of Insurance Fraud

• Expands insurance fraud definitions to include false or misleading information presented in written, verbal, or digital form in applications, claims, and insurance-related statements.

• Changes insurance fraud statute of limitations to begin upon discovery of the criminal act, aligning it with savings and loan and securities fraud prosecutions.

• Clarifies that prosecutors may bring concurrent charges for insurance fraud along with any other applicable state criminal offenses, preventing the statute from limiting prosecutorial discretion.

• Extends civil immunity protections to "secondary agencies" and their employees who cooperate with fraud detection and investigation efforts in good faith.

• Takes effect August 9, 2017, subject to referendum petition provisions; if referendum petition is filed, becomes effective only upon voter approval at the November 2018 general election.