Session Review: Urban Affairs
Economic development, building codes, population thresholds and tax increment financing were among the urban issues taken up by senators this session.
Read moreSen. Justin Wayne
Wayne suits up for legislative session
For the past 16 years, Sen. Justin Wayne has coached basketball for a youth sports program in Omaha and serves as its president. In 2008, a few of his players noticed his grousing about Omaha’s public schools, so they encouraged Wayne to follow the same advice he gave them: if you are going to complain, be a part of the solution.
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Veto of ex-felon voting bill sustained
An attempt to override the governor’s veto of a bill to immediately reinstate an individual’s voting rights upon completion of a felony sentence or probation fell short May 8.
Read moreEx-felon voter waiting period eliminated
A bill that restores voting rights upon completion of a felony sentence or probation was given final approval April 24.
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Bill to end voter waiting period advanced
Senators advanced a bill from general file March 31 that would restore voting rights upon completion of a felony sentence or probation. Current law requires a two-year waiting period.
Read moreRules of evidence proposed for parental termination
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony March 23 on a bill related to the termination of parental rights.
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Expungement proposed for mistaken identity cases
The Judiciary Committee held a hearing March 16 on a bill that would prevent cases of mistaken identity from remaining on a person’s criminal record.
Read moreBill would eliminate waiting period for voting rights
The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard testimony March 1 on a bill that would restore voting rights upon completion of a felony sentence or probation. Current law requires a two-year waiting period.
Read moreTIF constitutional amendment proposed
The Urban Affairs Committee heard testimony Feb. 28 on a proposed constitutional amendment to extend certain repayment times related to tax increment financing (TIF).
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Industrial hemp research proposed
The Agriculture Committee heard testimony Feb. 21 on a bill that would bolster research and development of industrial hemp for use in agribusiness, alternative fuels and other areas.
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Bill allowing private electric retailers considered
The Natural Resources Committee heard testimony Feb. 16 on a bill that would allow private electricity companies to sell power to Nebraska customers.
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Bill would remove economic development cap
The Urban Affairs Committee heard testimony Feb. 14 on a bill that would remove one of the caps in state law on an economic development program available to cities.
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