NC H22

Expands the Office of the State Fire Marshal's authority to investigate fires alongside the State Bureau of Investigation, granting the Fire Marshal power to supervise and direct investigations when requested by local officials conducting preliminary investigations

Reserves exclusive investigative authority for the State Bureau of Investigation in cases involving death, serious bodily injury, first- or second-degree arson, and fires at government buildings, educational institutions, churches, or religious buildings

Grants the State Fire Marshal and deputies the same powers as the SBI Director for fire investigations, including summoning witnesses, administering oaths, entering fire-damaged premises, and conducting private investigations

Requires insurance companies to furnish fire loss information and cooperate with the Office of the State Fire Marshal (in addition to existing requirement to cooperate with the SBI) when investigating suspected incendiary fires

Effective October 1, 2025