Senate Bill 8 Summary

• Creates an "Anti-Fraud Unit" within the Insurance Department's Legal and Investigation Division under control of the Insurance Commissioner

• Authorizes the Anti-Fraud Unit to investigate violations of insurance fraud statutes and administrative rules, with authority to refer criminal matters to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation or Attorney General

• Allows the Insurance Department to employ investigators as commissioned peace officers who may carry firearms while performing departmental duties

• Prohibits Anti-Fraud Unit investigators from operating specially marked or equipped vehicles distinct from other departmental motor vehicles

• Establishes that Anti-Fraud Unit records and investigative materials remain confidential and exempt from the Oklahoma Open Records Act, with limited disclosure allowed to law enforcement and prosecutors

• Effective date: November 1, 2013