Work camp expansion filibuster successful

A bill that would have permitted nonprofit corporations to enter into work arrangements with inmates of the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) was laid over Feb. 27, effectively killing the bill for the session.

LB52, introduced by Imperial Sen. Mark Christensen, would have permitted WEC inmates to enter into working arrangements with any charitable, fraternal or nonprofit corporation that provides a public benefit. WEC inmates currently may enter into work arrangements with political subdivisions and state boards and agencies.

The bill had been the subject of a filibuster by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers since Feb. 13.

Chambers filed an amendment Feb. 26 that would prohibit organizations or entities that discriminate against people based on sexual orientation from participating in the WEC inmate work program.

Christensen opposed the amendment, saying it would provide inmates the opportunity to make false discrimination claims against nonprofit organizations.

Senators adopted the amendment 29-5.

The next day Hoskins Sen. Dave Bloomfield offered a motion to indefinitely postpone LB52, after which Christensen chose to lay the bill over, making it unlikely to be scheduled for further debate this session.