Ag cleanup bill amended, advanced to final round

A bill intended to modernize regulatory language and update certain agriculture-related fees was amended March 5 to extend the termination date of a state law related to poultry producers.

Among other provisions, LB948, introduced by the Agriculture Committee, would repeal the Nebraska Poultry and Egg Resources Act. The act is an industry-funded commodity program established to promote markets for Nebraska turkey and egg producers and is administered by the Poultry and Egg Division of the state Department of Agriculture.

Niobrara Sen. Barry DeKay, committee chairperson, offered an amendment during select file debate to remove the repeal provision and replace it with a termination date of Dec. 31, 2027. He said the repeal originally was brought to the committee by the department based on indications from the poultry industry that it was pursuing other avenues of promotion.

DeKay said following the public hearing, at which some parts of the industry expressed opposition, he worked with stakeholders to reach a compromise to delay repeal of the act by one year. Doing so would allow the department and the industry to meet over the interim to determine the value of the program and any possible changes that might improve it, he said.

“Unfortunately, we are legislating with mixed signals,” DeKay said, “and I believe this amendment will be a chance to get clarity from the industry before we make a final decision.”

Following the 27-0 adoption of DeKay’s amendment, LB948 was advanced to final reading by voice vote.