District Of Columbia § 5-417 - Arson reporting.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 5-417 — Arson reporting., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-417. Arson reporting.
5-417If the Fire Marshal or any agency empowered to investigate the cause of, or circumstances attendant upon, a fire loss involving real or personal property within the District of Columbia or empowered to institute criminal prosecutions for criminal acts causing, or related to, a fire loss has reason to believe that a fire was caused by other than accidental means, the Fire Marshal or such authorized agency may require, by written demand, any insurer investigating a fire loss to release any relevant information in its possession relating to that fire loss. Relevant information may include, but is not limited to:
The insurance policy in force;
Applications for an insurance policy;
The premium payments record;
The history of previous claims made; and
Material relating to the investigation of the loss, including statements of any person, proof of loss, and any other evidence relevant to the investigation.
Whenever an insurer has reason to believe that a fire loss in which it has an interest may have been caused by other than accidental means, the insurer shall, for the purpose of having the fire loss investigated, notify the Fire Marshal or an authorized agency in writing and furnish the Fire Marshal or such agency with all relevant information acquired during its investigation of the fire loss.
No insurer (or person acting on behalf of an insurer) who in good faith furnished information pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be liable therefor.
Any information or evidence furnished pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be held in confidence by and among the Fire Marshal and authorized agencies, except that such information or evidence may be released in a criminal or civil proceeding in accordance with applicable court rules.
Whoever shall knowingly: (1) refuse to release any information requested pursuant to subsection (a) of this section; (2) fail to notify or supply information to the Fire Marshal or an authorized agency pursuant to subsection (b) of this section; or (3) fail to hold in confidence information required to be held in confidence in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this section shall be fined not more than $10,000.
Annotations
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 5-417
What does D.C. Code § 5-417 cover?
Section 5-417 ("Arson reporting.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 5-417?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 5-417" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 5-417 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.