Legislature approves bill to fund special session, adjourns sine die

After passing a measure to appropriate funds for the first special session of the 108th Legislature, lawmakers adjourned sine die Aug. 20.

Gov. Jim Pillen issued the call July 24 for a special session to address property tax relief following the failure of his tax package during the regular 2024 session. Lawmakers convened July 25 and introduced nearly 100 measures, a half dozen of which were debated by the full legislature.

Senators met for 17 legislative days, making this special session the longest in more than 60 years.

LB4, as introduced by Speaker John Arch of La Vista on behalf of the governor, appropriates $126,860 in state general funds for session expenses. The funds will pay for per diems for senators, printing, salaries for session-only staff and overtime pay.

The bill was drafted in anticipation of a 10-day special session, so a deficit appropriation during the 2025 legislative session will be needed to provide additional funds.

LB4 passed on a vote of 41-3.

The first session of the 109th Legislature is scheduled to convene Jan. 8, 2025.