WASHINGTON, D.C., March 16 – Efforts to make insurance fraud a specific crime in Vermont moved a step forward when a bill cleared the state House of Representatives yesterday, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.

The measure, H.150, covers multiple insurance crimes, including bogus claims, and scams by agents, public adjusters and insurers. The bill also requires insurers to place fraud warnings on claim forms and insurance applications. Insurers also must develop anti-fraud plans and submit them to the Insurance Department.

A targeted law will encourage more fraud investigations and prosecutions in Vermont. The states current laws are so ill-suited for insurance cases that some swindlers arent brought to justice. A law will provide the legal roadmap fraud fighters need to pursue cases, said Howard Goldblatt, the coalitions director of Government Affairs.

H.150 now heads to the state Senate for debate. Its too early to determine the odds of success in that chamber, but there is no overt opposition, Goldblatt said. The legislature remains open until May 18.

H.150 is sponsored by Reps. Kathleen Keenan (D-St. Albans City) and Mark Young (R-Orwell), co-Chairs of the House Commerce Committee.