Members of the Agriculture Committee considered bills on pork production and grain storage regulations this session as well as a proposed amendment to the state constitution guaranteeing the right to farm and ranch.
Direct primary care, unclaimed property and governance reporting standards for insurers were among the topics considered by the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee this session. Lawmakers approved a proposal to provide legislative guidance for the state Department of Insurance regarding direct primary care agreements. LB817, sponsored by Ralston Sen. Merv Riepe, adopts the Direct Primary…
Redistricting and expansion of legislative oversight topped the list of Executive Board issues considered by lawmakers. Currently, the Legislature is responsible for drawing new governmental boundaries every 10 years after the decennial census for districts pertaining to the U.S. House of Representatives, the Legislature, Public Service Commission, University of Nebraska Board of Regents and the…
Lawmakers considered bills this session that impact administrative leadership hires, election law and the state’s military installations. Transparency Sen. John Murante of Gretna introduced LB1109, which requires the University of Nebraska’s Board of Regents to provide public notice of a preliminarily selected candidate 30 days before the board votes on whether to hire the candidate…
Senators passed measures this session that will provide a more transparent grand jury process, prevent civil forfeiture without criminal charges and ensure wage equality for all Nebraskans. A governor’s veto of a bill that will make additional Nebraskans eligible for professional licensure was overridden by the Legislature April 20. Lawmakers voted 31-13 to override the…
Lawmakers made adjustments to the state’s two-year budget with three bills passed this session.
LB956, introduced by Kearney Sen. Galen Hadley at the request of the governor, adjusts appropriations for state operations, aid and construction programs.
Lawmakers passed several employment measures this session that protect employees’ rights to wage equity, compensation for earned vacation time and workplace privacy. Businesses employing fewer than 15 people have been exempt from statute requiring equal pay for equal work regardless of an employee’s gender. LB83, amended with provisions originally introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath Mello…
The Legislature’s Education Committee considered bills this session that alter the state’s school aid formula, eliminate the Omaha learning community’s common levy and require high school students to take a college admission test. School funding Introduced by Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate Sullivan on behalf of Gov. Pete Ricketts, LB959 is intended to slow the increase…
Lawmakers considered several changes to gaming and liquor laws this year as well as a library regulation proposal. A variety of changes to the state’s Liquor Control Act were approved this session with passage of LB1105, introduced by O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson. The bill establishes the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board, which will include seven governor-appointed…
Child welfare, licensure and credentialing requirements and a fourth attempt to expand Medicaid topped the list of health and human services issues considered by lawmakers this session. Child welfare A bill designed to normalize life for Nebraska’s foster youth was approved this session. LB746, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, implements a federal law designed…
