Six new state patrol positions approved

Senators passed a bill May 29 that creates six new State Patrol positions to improve enforcement of liquor laws.

LB579, introduced by Wilber Sen. Russ Karpisek, makes several State Patrol investigators available to spend the majority of their time on liquor law enforcement.

Under the bill, six officers will spend a majority of their time in administration and enforcement of the Nebraska Liquor Control Act. The reassignment of officers will be offset by the addition of six new full-time officers.

The bill passed on a 42-1 vote.