House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.

Adds a new Part to the act, as follows.

Amends GS 58-79-1 to authorize the Commissioner of Insurance (Commissioner), through the Office of the State Fire Marshal (Office), and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), along with specified local fire departments and authorities (previously, the Director of the SBI through the SBI, the Office and the specified local entities) to investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires, as specified. Makes conforming changes to the statute and to GS 58-79-5 to transfer the previous duties and authorities regarding investigations of the SBI Director to the Commissioner.

Amends GS 58-79-10 to assign the duties currently assigned to the SBI Director regarding fire investigations and arrests also to the Commissioner, except maintains that the Director only has the power to make arrests. Makes conforming changes and language gender-neutral. Makes conforming changes to GS 58-79-15 (Failure to comply with summons or subpoena).

Amends GS 58-79-40 to authorize the Office to request any insurance company investigating a fire of real or personal property to release any information in its possession relative to that loss. Also requires insurance companies to notify, cooperate with, and provide relevant information to the Office if the company believes the property loss was caused by incendiary means.

Effective October 1, 2019.

Makes conforming changes to the act's long title.