MS HB44

Provides civil immunity from libel, slander, and other tort claims for insurers, their employees and agents, and any other person acting without malice or bad faith who report suspected insurance fraud to law enforcement or regulatory agencies.

Allows reports concerning violations of insurance fraud statutes or related criminal acts to be made to the Insurance Integrity Enforcement Bureau, law enforcement officials, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the Mississippi Insurance Department, federal or state fraud detection agencies, or similar organizations.

Authorizes the Attorney General or his designee to prosecute insurance fraud violations and issue subpoenas during investigations, in addition to district attorneys.

Requires the Attorney General to notify the Workers' Compensation Commission when the Insurance Integrity Enforcement Bureau opens, closes, or disposes of workers' compensation fraud investigation files, with such notification kept confidential.

Mandates the Insurance Integrity Enforcement Bureau to file an annual report by January 1 to the Legislature detailing case statistics, investigations, prosecutions, and operating expenses from the preceding calendar year.