Transcript Highlights:

• branch in order for them to executive branch in order for them to better<00:47:37.680> carry<
• The question is just what the appropriate sentence was, whether they should what type of mental health
• I'm going to resume the executive session on Senate Bill 263.
• <01:50:31.520> session<01:50:32.159> on to uh resume the uh executive session on to
• uh resume the uh executive session on Senate<01:50:32.960> Bill Senate Bill Senate Bill 263.<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up Senate Bill 268, a bill related to biological sex and related classifications. Members opposing the bill argued it was unnecessary, poorly drafted, and a personal attack on a small group of people, while supporters said it was needed to protect girls and women and to avoid repeated floor debate on a measure they viewed as proper. Several members also discussed the bill’s definition of biological sex, the lack of guidance on what information could be required to make determinations, and concerns about unintended consequences. The committee voted on a motion to retain the bill and approved it by a 10-8 roll call vote, with the bill retained. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 189, described by supporters as a housekeeping measure requested by the Secretary of State and the Department of Health and Human Services concerning fetal death records. Supporters said the bill was narrow, time-sensitive, and ready to pass, while opponents argued it needed further work and that the committee should not use retention to reopen the bill for broader changes. Some members said they wanted to add or explore additional provisions related to fetal death reporting, while others objected that such changes were outside the bill’s scope and poor procedure. After debate, the committee voted to retain Senate Bill 189 as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• The case was centered around the Rio Grande City area, where he executed three search warrants on the
• importantly, it creates a first-degree felony for those who engage in these activities. with a minimum sentence
• or more individuals onto agricultural land without the owner's consent, with a mandatory minimum sentence

Bills: SB659, SB1585, SB2201, SB2514, SB2569

Keywords: smuggling, human trafficking, criminal penalties, felony offenses, law enforcement, foreign adversary, foreign-owned company, scrutinized company, China, national security, cybersecurity, information technology, communications technology, ICT, critical infrastructure, state contracts, government procurement, vendor certification, debarment, civil penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a long sentence. Thank you.
• I'm the co-founder and executive director of Texas Jail Project.
• He got sentenced to five years and served two and a half.
• We have a life sentence, and my son got a death sentence.
• You can finish your sentence. Go ahead.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sentencing requirements.
• sentencing requirements.
• as an example a judge can sentencing as an example a judge can currently<02:02:45.360> sentence
• mandate a minimum 30-day jail sentence mandate a minimum 30-day jail sentence time<02:03:02.199>
• other increased sentencing other increased sentencing requirements<02:03:08.719> I requirements

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the Executive Director of Campro, the California Association of Mental Health Peer-Run Organizations
• that we asked for and that was blessed by Judiciary Committee has been agreed to, but there's a sentence
• the spirit in which the language we've put forward meets, and that's what we're asking for: one sentence
• that we asked for and that was blessed by Judiciary Committee has been agreed to, but there's a sentence
• But I did want to ask, just in terms of that one sentence, if there are thoughts that you have as the

Summary: The committee heard several health-related measures. SB 27 by Senator Umberg would revise and expand California’s CARE Court by limiting the expansion to people with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features, clarifying the definition of “clinically stabilized,” and narrowing the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Supporters, including behavioral health officials and family members, said the bill would reduce dismissals and better serve people with severe illness; opponents warned the expansion would strain county staffing and housing resources and could undermine voluntary engagement. The bill passed on a do pass motion to the Committee on Public Safety. SB 503 by Senator Weber Pierson would require AI tools used in health care facilities to be identified, monitored, and mitigated for bias when used in clinical decision-making or resource allocation. The author and supporters from Kaiser Permanente and the California Medical Association said the bill would help prevent discriminatory outcomes and improve trust and safety. The committee discussed the need to clarify developer and deployer responsibilities, and the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection. SB 68 by Senator Menjivar would require restaurants to provide written allergen information for the top nine food allergens, with tiered flexibility for smaller establishments. The bill was supported by patients, families, nurses, and allergy organizations, who described severe reactions and the difficulty of relying on verbal disclosures alone. The California Restaurant Association opposed unless amended, seeking broader use of the national model food code and additional liability language. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 403 by Senator Blakespear, which would remove the sunset from the End of Life Option Act; supporters described the law as a compassionate, well-functioning option for terminally ill patients, while faith-based groups opposed it. The bill passed to Judiciary. Later, SB 41 by Senator Wiener was introduced to rein in pharmacy benefit manager practices that steer patients to mail-order pharmacies and reimburse community pharmacies below cost; community pharmacists and several health organizations testified in support, describing pharmacy closures and patient access problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last sentence in that third paragraph says this proposal has no general fund impact.
• In<00:04:50.800> the<00:04:50.920> last<00:04:51.280> sentence<00:04:51.720>
• of<00:04:51.800> the<00:04:51.880> second In the last sentence of the second In the
• The last sentence in that third costs.
• branch in the first 2 the executive branch in the first 2 months. months. months.

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• And then when you're looking at sentencing and the person has, I don't know, 10, 15, 20, 60, 100 prior
• And then when you're looking at sentencing and the person has, I don't know, 10, 15, 20, 60, 100 prior
• That says that they're continuing the pattern, and, you know, simply looking at the sentencing history
• Randy Perreira, executive director for the Hawaii Government Employees Association, in support.
• > director Uh Randy Perreira, executive director Uh Randy Perreira, executive director for<00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Messages 796 and 797, both judicial confirmation nominations, but announced at the outset that no votes would be taken that day. The committee said it would hold the vote the next day in Room 225. For GM 796, Annalisa M. Bernard Lee was nominated to serve as circuit court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui) for a 10-year term. Supporters included former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, former judges, attorneys, and the Hawaii State Bar Association, all describing her as fair, hardworking, experienced on both criminal and civil matters, and active in the legal community. Judge Lee testified about her background as a Maui native, former public defender and prosecutor, and current district court judge, and said her experience on all sides of the courtroom shaped her commitment to fairness and access to justice. Senators asked about diversion, sentencing repeat offenders, and the role of a circuit court judge; Lee said she would consider cases individually, support diversion and pretrial collaboration where appropriate, and use judicial power to address underlying problems when possible. For GM 797, Michael K. Soong was nominated to the Fifth Circuit Court for Kauai and Niihau. Former Chief Justice Recktenwald and other supporters praised his long legal career, including service as a prosecutor, district court judge, and acting chief judge during a period when Kauai lacked a full-time circuit judge. They emphasized his courtroom control, common sense, community ties, and willingness to take on extra judicial committee work. Soong testified that he had served as a district court judge since 2017 and had recently been handling circuit court duties, including civil, criminal, and jury trial matters. He described the differences between district and circuit court, his experience presiding over complex trials, and his support for specialty courts such as drug court, veterans court, and mental health calendars. The Hawaii State Bar Association said it found him qualified after its review. No votes were taken on either nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• If someone's been convicted of a felony and been sentenced to a Department of Correction facility, that
• It'll be looking at executive orders. It'll be looking at regulations.
• I remember a judge saying to a criminal who was being sentenced... ...criminal who was being sentenced

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a comprehensive immigration-related bill, the Protect Act (House No. 5316), with extensive debate focused on limiting civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations and protecting immigrants, victims, workers, and public institutions. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fear in schools, hospitals, courts, child care settings, and other community spaces, while preserving criminal law enforcement and public safety cooperation. Several senators also emphasized the economic and community contributions of immigrants, and some spoke from personal or district experience about fear, school enrollment declines, and impacts on health care and daily life. A number of amendments were debated. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Kennedy, was adopted to extend protections to DDS facilities and disability-related care settings, with supporters stressing the importance of protecting immigrant caregivers and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other adopted amendments included Amendment 7 on effective dates, Amendment 34 adding residential schools/programs as safe spaces, Amendment 10 on courthouse curtilage, Amendment 13 protecting health care workers from retaliation, Amendment 20 establishing an immigration commission with minority-party representation, and Amendment 69 as a corrective/technical amendment. Many other amendments, largely offered by Senator Tarr and others, were rejected, including proposals concerning 287G agreements, detainers, civil arrests, court authority, and legal defense funding; several amendments were also withdrawn. The chamber took multiple roll-call votes on contested amendments. Amendment 59 on 287G funds was defeated 5-34, Amendment 63 on status information tied to criminal offenses was defeated 7-32, Amendment 67 on felony detainers was defeated 10-29, and Amendment 75 on state-funded legal defense programs was defeated 5-34. After amendments were completed, the Senate adopted the Ways and Means recommendation, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a 37-3 vote. The Senate later rejected a House amendment, appointed a conference committee, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do think the executive branch is using them.
• The executive can; I really can't.
• By the executive, finally accepted by the executive recently.
• From LFC versus the executive.
• Then the executive exceeds the LFC in the other category because the executive funds an IT refresh, while

Transcript Highlights:

• :34.400> parole<01:06:35.440> is sentenced on life without parole is sentenced on life
• Anybody sentenced on introduction.
• <01:06:50.640> on<01:06:51.200> human anybody uh sentenced on human anybody uh sentenced
• with existing provisions of sentencing with existing provisions of sentencing law.<01:07:08.079>
• county executive officer disclosures. county executive officer disclosures.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several committee reports and conference committee permissions. It also adopted a Senate resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of Western Colorado University (SR 8) by a 35-0 vote, with remarks highlighting the university’s history, workforce role, mountain rescue team, athletics, and ties to Gunnison and the Western Slope. The resolution was adopted and co-sponsors were added. The chamber then took up third reading and final passage on several bills. Senate Bill 152, concerning automated vehicle identification systems, was amended on the floor with a technical correction and passed 32-3. House Bill 1322, creating civil actions related to conversion therapy efforts, prompted emotional testimony from Senator Mullica about his mother and passed 23-12. House Bill 1123, addressing sexual abuse prevention in jails, passed 27-8 after a technical amendment. House Bill 1226, reducing emissions from certain electric generating units, passed 22-13. House Bill 1076, modifying transportation statutes, passed 28-0, and House Bill 1207, requiring employer disclosure of demographic workforce data, passed 23-12. Senate Bill 115, a postconviction relief measure for certain older incarcerated people, was amended and debated at length. Supporters described it as narrowly tailored to a small number of eligible inmates and emphasized victim-rights protections and exclusions for serious offenses; opponents remained opposed. The bill ultimately passed 18-17. The Senate then approved a Committee of the Whole report advancing Senate Bill 181 and several House bills—1338, 1344, 1336 as amended, 1227, 1314, 1028, 1282, and 1317 as amended—to third reading and final passage, and later adopted the consent-calendar bills in special orders without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had to come to with one sentence for the amendment. So I ask that we accept this amendment.
• We have a motion to ban Representative Anthony Hartsook from starting sentences with...
• Hartsook from starting sentences with 'when I was in Iraq.' All those in favor say I.
• But I would be remiss if I did not address the direction of our executive leadership.
• Transferred institutional knowledge and power to the lobby and to the executive branch.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• File item nine, colleagues, is the confirmation of Laura Ederton Speed for the appointment of the executive
• Please welcome Eric Zygman, the executive director of the Golden Gate Regional Center; Edith Arias, a
• Sir Buoy of Shippian, the executive director of the Frank D.
• you are subject either officially or effectively to the death penalty, either an official death sentence
• you are subject either officially or effectively to the death penalty, either an official death sentence

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayers, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the opening period on floor privileges and guest recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia and Spain marking the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Representative Justin Jones, with several senators speaking in support of voting rights and democracy. The body then moved to business and confirmed two gubernatorial and State Bar appointments: Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as executive director of the State Bar. Senators also adopted SCR 163, recognizing May as California Tourism Month, with remarks emphasizing tourism’s economic impact and the work of Visit California and destination marketing organizations. The Senate next adopted SCR 170, declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, after extensive testimony from senators and firefighters about the trauma first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support services. The Senate also adopted SCR 174, marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers and highlighting the state’s community-based developmental services system. It then adopted SR 111, recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, after strong floor statements about discrimination, safety, and the need to oppose silence in the face of hate. The consent calendar was approved, SCR 116 was moved to the inactive file, reconsideration was granted on SR 111 for a later session, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella, with the next meeting set for Monday, May 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the last sentence of the second paragraph, it says, in 2025, Minnesota's assessment from HISA is nearly
• The last sentence in that third paragraph says this proposal has no general fund impact.
• manage cost pressures from one year to the next and would align the carry forward authority in the executive
• Forward authority in the executive branch with the existing carry forward authority in the legislative
• There have been a flurry of actions by the executive branch.

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• Take Lawrence Durant, who was sentenced to the longest prison sentence in American history for Medicare
• > longest<03:38:04.080> prison sentenced to the longest prison sentenced to the longest
• :38:07.520> for sentence in American history for sentence in American history for Medicare<03:
• And that's why HR1958 is sentences.
• Conviction sentence of a year or more.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is um is again the fairness issue. um if it was good enough for the legislature and the executive
• I am the executive director of the Minnesota Newspaper Association.
• The entire sentence shouldn't be redacted.
• The entire sentence shouldn't be redacted.
• The entire sentence shouldn't be secret.

Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, you asked us to talk about section in line 6624, the first sentence, it talks about that we're
• Chair, you asked us to talk about section in line 6624, the first sentence, it talks about that we're
• Chair, you asked us to talk about section in line 6624, the first sentence, it talks about that we're
• <01:16:28.400> in<01:16:28.560> the<01:16:28.719> bill um the first sentence
• Hello, uh, my name is KH Rogers, executive director of Catalyst for Systems Change, and I'll be brief

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director of Visit Tallahassee, and we are a mid-sized destination.
• My name is Carrie Post, I'm the executive director of Visit Tallahassee, and we are a mid-sized destination
• One sentence basically says that an ordinance is unenforceable if it's not filed properly.
• We think the sentence in the bill that says they've got to send it to the state fire marshal within 30
• We think the sentence in the bill that says they've got to send it to the state fire marshal within 30

Summary: The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised. SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages. Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• felons resulting in a 10-year sentence felons resulting in a 10-year sentence and<00:14:06.240><
• c> two<00:14:06.480> five-year<00:14:06.959> sentences<00:14:07.680> from<00
• :14:08.000> this and two five-year sentences from this and two five-year sentences from this new
• on the policies resources to execute on the policies that<00:36:40.000> your<00:36:40.400>
• <00:41:31.040> order, following an unlawful executive order, following an unlawful executive

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 Office of the Attorney General Update: 00:04:52 Department of Kentucky State Police Update: 00:44:57, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you.” outlast a sentence like would outlast outlast a sentence like would outlast even<00:21:04.960
• , meaning uh probation or of sentence, meaning uh probation or parole<00:21:17.120> afterwards
• Well, we're supposed to be executing this next Wednesday, but there's no rush. No, it's not.
• Well, you have three minutes, so you can make a one-sentence statement.
• Even if aligned with current federal executive orders, those do not override civil rights laws.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 141, which would create a narrow exception to New Hampshire’s three-year deadline for motions for a new trial when a petitioner has newly discovered evidence, new forensic testing, or new scientific understanding. The prime sponsor’s representative and advocates from the Innocence Project and New England Innocence Project argued the bill is needed to help wrongfully convicted people access the courts, noting that exonerations often take many years and that outdated forensic science has contributed to wrongful convictions. The chair also said he had drafted a proposed amendment for committee review, but it had not yet been formally submitted. Witnesses supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not guarantee relief, only allow a petition to be filed and reviewed under existing standards. They discussed examples such as arson science, explaining that some convictions were based on forensic methods later shown to be unreliable. Committee members asked about the scope of habeas corpus, whether the bill would create a new cause of action, and whether additional screening or pleading requirements should be added. The supporters said they would be open to requiring a petitioner to plead innocence, but opposed adding more burdensome preliminary procedures or counsel requirements at the filing stage. Thomas Farardi, from the Attorney General’s Office, testified in opposition or with caution, saying the bill was a “solution looking for a problem” because existing habeas corpus and coram nobis procedures already provide avenues for relief, and prosecutors can act when credible new evidence arises. He argued the current draft could invite additional litigation and create a new cause of action, and said he favored more screening before cases proceed. The discussion also touched on whether the statute applies in criminal cases, the current three-year limitation in RSA 526:4, and questions about posthumous petitions and petitions by deported individuals. No vote or executive action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaking of which, I would like to rewrite this sentence here such that the $50, well, the $75, if that's
• would like to speaking of which I would like to rewrite<00:09:14.399> this<00:09:15.079> sentence
• here<00:09:17.079> um<00:09:17.959> such<00:09:18.240> that rewrite this sentence
• here um such that rewrite this sentence here um such that the<00:09:18.800> the<00:09:19.000>
• director of New Hampshire executive director of New Hampshire Lakes<00:58:52.720> regarding<00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.