The Senate Committee on Industry and Business voted unanimously to recommend Senate Bill 2135, which would increase the state's one‑time line‑of‑duty death benefit for firefighters from $10,000 to $25,000 and authorize the insurance commissioner to access a larger reserve to pay claims.

John Arnold, deputy insurance commissioner, told the committee the benefit is rarely used but deserves review. "The red line indicates $10,000 in 2,007 is now worth about $66100," Arnold said as he summarized the fiscal history and purchasing‑power decline of the current statutory benefit. He said the change in the bill also adjusts the agency's reserve threshold so the fund can pay multiple claims if the worst happens.

Chief Brian Paulson of the North Dakota Fire Chiefs Association said the benefit is a critical, if seldom‑used, support for families. "This legislation adjusts the benefit to help and meet the immediate needs of the survivors of a fallen firefighter," Paulson said in written and oral testimony and urged a do‑pass recommendation.

Darren Schimke, president of Professional Fire Fighters in North Dakota, compared neighboring states' benefit formulas and said the $25,000 proposal would be a meaningful lifeline for families. "The proposed death benefit of $25,000 contained within the Senate Bill 2,135, may just be a lifeline that I know will be appreciated beyond any of our wildest dreams," Schimke said.

Committee members asked whether the money would come from the general fund; Arnold said the payments would come from the Insurance Regulatory Trust Fund (a special fund) and noted that some funds in reserve periodically transfer back to the general fund on July 1. Senators voted by roll call; the committee recorded a unanimous do‑pass recommendation and the bill will advance for further consideration.

Proponents said the increase reflects inflation and the immediate expenses families face at the time of a line‑of‑duty death; the committee recorded the do‑pass vote shortly after the hearing and thanked local fire service representatives for testimony and attendance.