(a) The legislature finds and declares that the business of insurance
directly and indirectly affects all sectors of the public, business and
government. It further finds that the business of insurance, including
organization and licensing, the issuance of policies, and the adjustment
and payment of claims and losses, involve many transactions which have
potential for abuse and illegal activities.
(b) Arson for insurance fraud is a particularly damaging crime against
society, destroying lives, property and neighborhoods. Insurance losses
resulting from arson are reflected in higher premiums charged to
residents of this state.
(c) This article establishes a framework within which the
superintendent and the department can more effectively assist in the
elimination of arson for insurance fraud. That increased capacity,
together with a more effective monitoring of fire loss claims and
payments by the insurance industry through centralized reporting and
oversight, is intended to make it more difficult to perpetrate the crime
of insurance fraud by arson.