Veterans’ commission cleanup measure approved

Updated membership and reporting requirements for a state commission on veterans’ affairs passed April 9.

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

It also adds 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.

Finally, LB787 eliminates an annual reporting requirement and instead makes the commission’s report due upon request of the governor or when the commission deems drafting of an updated version appropriate.

Lawmakers approved the bill on a 49-0 vote.