Proposal for six new state patrol positions advanced

Senators gave first-round approval April 17 to a bill that would create six new State Patrol positions to improve enforcement of liquor laws.

Wilber Sen. Russ Karpisek, sponsor of LB579, said the bill arose out of concern that the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission (LCC) does not have adequate resources to enforce the state’s Liquor Control Act. He said the intent of the bill is to make several State Patrol investigators available to spend the majority of their time on liquor law enforcement.

A General Affairs Committee amendment adopted April 11 reduced the original proposal of 15 officers to 10.

An April 17 amendment, adopted 28-0, further reduced the number of State Patrol officers who would spend a majority of their time in administration and enforcement of the Nebraska Liquor Control Act from 10 to six. The reassignment of officers would be offset by the addition of six new full-time officers.

Karpisek said there currently are 477 officers in the State Patrol, which is the lowest number since 1986. He said nine of those troopers are tasked with liquor law enforcement, but more are needed to keep pace with the proliferation of liquor licensees.

“People are very concerned about underage drinking, over-serving and drunk driving,” he said. “We need those people out there.”

Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 26-1 vote.