Appointments made to five special committees

The Legislature’s Executive Board announced appointments April 20 to special committees dealing with innovation, bioscience, tribal economic development, evidence testing and climate change.

LB1083, introduced by Gothenburg Sen. Matt Williams, creates a Venture Development and Innovation Task Force that will develop a statewide strategic plan by Dec. 1, 2016, to cultivate a climate of entrepreneurship and innovation in Nebraska.

Appointed to the committee are:
Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier (chairperson)
Gothenburg Sen. Matt Williams (vice-chairperson)
Hyannis Sen. Al Davis
Lincoln Sen. Mark Kolterman
Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher
Gering Sen. John Stinner

LB1093, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld, creates a bioscience steering committee that will study the impact of bioscience on the state’s economy, identify ways to stimulate job growth in science, technology and engineering and encourage biotechnology companies to locate in Nebraska.

Appointed to the committee are:
Lincoln Sen. Adam Morfeld (chairperson)
Heartwell Sen. John Kuehn (vice-chairperson)
Wahoo Sen. Jerry Johnson
Omaha Sen. Heath Mello
Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher

Lawmakers established the Tribal Economic Development Committee on April 12 with the adoption of LR547. The committee will conduct a study on the Legislature’s policy options to enhance economic development for the state’s Native American population. The committee’s policy recommendations are due to the Legislature by Dec. 15.

Appointed to the committee are:
O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson
Omaha Sen. Brett Lindstrom
Omaha Sen. Heath Mello
Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz
Papillion Sen. Jim Smith

A committee for determining the need and options for developing a regional certified crime laboratory in the Omaha area was established April 12 with the adoption of LR601.

Appointed to the committee are:
Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers
Omaha Sen. Robert Hilkemann
Omaha Sen. Rick Kolowski
Omaha Sen. John McCollister
Omaha Sen. Heath Mello
Hastings Sen. Les Seiler
Gothenburg Sen. Matt Williams

With the adoption of LR455 on April 13, senators also established a committee to examine issues related to the impact of climate change on Nebraska.

Appointed to the committee are:
Malcolm Sen. Ken Haar
Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks
Heartwell Sen. John Kuehn
O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson
Omaha Sen. Heath Mello
Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz
Gering Sen. John Stinner

The committee will deliver its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by Dec. 31.