Fire Investigation Law Revisions
House Bill 22 revises North Carolina’s fire investigation statutes to expand and clarify the investigatory authority of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, alongside the State Bureau of Investigation, in cases involving fires that damage or destroy property. The bill updates several provisions governing who may investigate fires, how investigations are supervised, and when state-level assistance becomes exclusive, particularly in cases involving death or serious bodily injury, first- or second-degree arson, and fires involving government, educational, or religious buildings.
The bill also modernizes and broadens investigative tools. It preserves authority to summon witnesses, administer oaths, enter and inspect premises, and conduct private investigations, while updating language to reflect the State Fire Marshal’s role more clearly. In addition, it strengthens information-sharing requirements for insurance companies by requiring them to provide relevant policy and claims information to authorized officials and to cooperate when incendiary fire loss is suspected, while maintaining confidentiality protections for information shared during investigations.
The bill amends Article 79 of Chapter 58 of the North Carolina General Statutes, including G.S. 58-79-1, 58-79-5, 58-79-10, 58-79-15, and 58-79-40. Its practical effect is to expand and clarify the State Fire Marshal’s and SBI’s authority in fire investigations, especially in serious or sensitive cases, and to reinforce the legal duty of insurers to provide information relevant to suspected arson or fire loss investigations. It also preserves immunity for good-faith disclosures and sets an effective date of October 1, 2025.
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available materials. The bill’s committee substitute favorable status suggests it was advanced in a generally supportive posture, likely reflecting agreement that the changes improve investigative coordination and update outdated statutory language.
The text itself suggests the main policy tension is between stronger investigative authority and privacy/confidentiality concerns, especially because the bill compels insurers to disclose policy, claims, and investigative materials and allows officials to enter premises and compel testimony. Another possible point of concern is the expansion of state-level control in certain fire cases, including exclusive SBI supervision in serious injury, arson, and government or institutional property cases. However, no specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are included in the provided record.