MT HB948

The Insurance Department under the State Auditor is explicitly designated as not a criminal justice agency as defined in Montana law (44-5-103)

All criminal matters arising from insurance investigations must be referred to the Attorney General, the county attorney where the violation occurred, or another criminal justice agency with jurisdiction

Insurance fraud investigation evidence must be treated as confidential criminal justice information and referred to appropriate prosecuting authorities rather than handled internally by the Insurance Commissioner

$250,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Attorney General for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to enforce criminal insurance laws upon referrals from the Insurance Commissioner

Effective date is July 1, 2025