Elimination of state boards, commissions clears first round

Lawmakers advanced a cleanup measure March 23 that would clarify the elimination or consolidation of several state boards and commissions and accompanying cash funds.

La Vista Sen. John Arch, sponsor of LB905, said the bill would correct some aspects of a bill passed last year that eliminated nearly 40 state boards, councils and commissions.

The magnitude of that bill and its delayed implementation date of July 1, 2026, put parts of it in conflict with other provisions of law and did not harmonize with existing statute, Arch said.

LB905 would provide a number of clarifications regarding transfers of duties and disposition of associated cash funds. Among other provisions, the measure would transfer the duties of three eliminated boards as follows:
• Board of Alcohol and Drug Counseling to the Board of Mental Health Practice;
• Foster Care Reimbursement Rate Committee and Bridge to Independence Advisory Committee to the Nebraska Children’s Commission; and
• Board of Examiners of County Highway and City Street Superintendents to the Board of Public Roads Classifications and Standards.

Finally, the bill would eliminate 39 inactive funds and lapse them into the state General Fund and modify the Information Management Revolving Fund, Vacant Building and Excess Land Cash Fund and the Nebraska Capital Construction Fund.

Bellevue Sen. Rita Sanders supported the measure. The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, which she leads, produces an annual report on state boards and commissions every four years in an attempt to identify those that are inactive and have “outlived their usefulness,” Sanders said.

“When a board or commission becomes dormant, or we see that there is a duplication of effort, it is appropriate for this Legislature to act,” she said.

Arch agreed, saying lawmakers should continually evaluate if the entities they create remain necessary.

“This isn’t a one-and-done,” he said, “and I hope that in future years the Legislature will continue this work.”

Senators advanced LB905 to select file 38-0.