Committee backs substitute for HB151 creating commission and capped fund for childhood‑abuse claims

Representative Anaya presented a committee substitute for HB151 addressing the statute of limitations for childhood abuse claims and establishing an administrative commission to adjudicate compensation from a public fund. The substitute made multiple changes in response to committee feedback: it specifies appointments (two House appointees, two Senate appointees, and one gubernatorial appointee), five‑year terms, an annual reporting requirement for fund solvency and guidance directing the commission to weigh pending claims against fund balance.

Sponsor explained the commission would have the authority to consider factors and set maximum compensation amounts; the bill text in committee references a maximum individual compensation payable of $700,000. Committee members raised questions about parity between survivors of public and private harms, definitions of "survivor advocate," administrative costs, limits on attorney and administrative fees, and appeals process to district court. An expert witness, Nathan Weems, described the typical administrative appeals path where a district court may remand to the commission for reconsideration.

The committee voted in favor of a 'do pass' on the House Judiciary committee substitute (motion by Representative Romero, seconded by Leader Sapanski); the roll call recorded 7 yes and 0 no.