Government cleanup bill clears first round

A measure that would update provisions of law related to the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs advanced from general file March 12.

LB787, sponsored by Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, would update the ex officio membership of the Commission on Military and Veteran Affairs. The bill would allow the state Department of Economic Development and the director of Veterans’ Affairs to specify a designee to serve in their place.

It also would add as members the commanders of the 95th Wing, 90th Missile Wing, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, U.S. Department of Defense Nebraska service secretary and any wing or headquarters positioned or established in Nebraska in the future.

“Having these leaders at the table when the commission meets will facilitate cooperation between Nebraska and our federal partners and allow the voting members of the commission to make better informed decisions,” Sanders said.

The measure also would eliminate an annual reporting requirement and instead make the commission’s report due upon request of the governor or when the commission deems drafting of an updated version appropriate.

Lawmakers advanced LB787 to select file on a 27-0 vote.