Session Review: Executive Board

Two measures that could impact the service of state senators will appear on the ballot this November as a result of legislation considered by the Legislature’s Executive Board.

LR358CA, introduced by Holdrege Sen. Tom Carlson, will allow voters to extend the state constitution’s current limit of two consecutive four-year terms for state senators to three consecutive four-year terms.

The legislative resolution was passed 31-14.

LR373CA, introduced by Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh and passed 31-15, will increase each senator’s salary to $22,500 with voter approval. Senators currently are paid $12,000 annually.

The Executive Board also extended legislative oversight of the Beatrice State Developmental Center.

LR365, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop and adopted on a 40-0 vote, provides for continuation of the Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee through 2012. It was established in 2008 in response to problems at the center.

LR372CA, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Tony Fulton and indefinitely postponed by the committee, would have defined “one-half of a term” as service in the Legislature from the first day of a 90-day session until the first day of the next 90-day session.

LR377CA, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Bill Avery, would have required the legislature to establish a compensation commission that would determine the salary, travel expenses and benefits of state constitutional officers and members of the Legislature.

It was indefinitely postponed by the committee.