Assault penalties added to synthetic drug ban, advanced

Senators amended and advanced a bill from select file April 9 that would update the list of banned synthetic drug compounds in Nebraska. The bill advanced following a cloture vote.

Introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, LB811 would amend one class of currently banned substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act and would add another class of synthetic cannabinoids to the list of banned substances. The bill would revise the act to apply to substantially similar imitations of prohibited controlled substances that may be developed in the future.

An amendment by Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor was adopted 36-0. In addition to making technical changes, it contained regulations for prescribing, transferring, record-keeping and destruction of controlled substances.

An amendment brought by Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop was adopted 36-6 and incorporated provisions of his LB752. The amendment would expand the list of professions protected by enhanced assault penalties and increase the penalty to the next higher classification for assaults on firefighters, paramedics, state correctional employees, state Department of Health and Human Services employees and health care professionals.

Lathrop said he introduced the amendment because attacks on first responders are happening more often and—unlike law enforcement personnel—firefighters and paramedics do not expect confrontation from the people they serve.

“I think there is good reason to take care of our first responders,” Lathrop said. “They run toward circumstances where they are vulnerable and providing them with additional protections is altogether appropriate.”

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers spoke in opposition to the amendment, saying that laws should not favor one group of people over another. He brought two amendments that would have extended protections to pizza delivery drivers and utility workers. Both efforts failed.

“Let the law as it exists now … let that be the law for everybody,” Chambers said.

Following adoption of technical amendment brought by Chambers, Schilz filed a motion to invoke cloture—or cease debate and force a vote on the bill—which was approved on a 38-3 vote.

Senators then advanced LB811 as amended on a 44-4 vote.