Session Review: Executive Board

The potential expulsion of a member of the Legislature and enhanced security considerations were the top issues addressed by the Executive Board this session.

The committee voted unanimously to advance a measure to expel Amherst Sen. Dan McKeon from the Legislature.

LR282, introduced by the Executive Board, cited a “pattern of behavior violating the Nebraska Legislature’s workplace policies on harassment and decorum” by McKeon, including an incident involving a legislative staffer at a work-related party in 2025.

The resolution also stated that McKeon violated the Legislature’s workplace harassment policy by engaging in retaliatory conduct against the complainant, and that he likely would not refrain from future violations of legislative policy.

McKeon announced his resignation from the Legislature in a brief floor speech just before a single round of debate on LR282 was scheduled to begin.

Security

Entering the Nebraska State Capitol with certain weapons and substances will be prohibited under a bill sponsored by the Executive Board and given final approval this session.

Under LB1237, the Nebraska State Patrol is charged with implementing procedures no later than Jan. 1, 2027, to provide for detection of weapons and controlled substances to prevent them from being brought into the Capitol.

Prohibited weapons include firearms and knives with blades over 3.5 inches in length that could be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.

The bill provides exceptions for individuals who have received prior approval from the Nebraska State Patrol and allows possession of a weapon by law enforcement officers in the course of their official duties.

LB1237 also allows any individual holding a current, valid permit issued pursuant to the Concealed Handgun Permit Act and qualified law enforcement officers, including retired officers, to carry concealed handguns in the building.

Prohibited substances include explosives, incendiary or other combustible devices, hazardous materials and paint and spray paint.

The bill passed on a vote of 45-4.

Lawmakers also approved a measure allowing the use of campaign funds by candidates and officeholders for security purposes.

LB986, introduced by Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, adds security measures to the list of allowable expenditures of campaign funds under the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Act.

Under the bill, security personnel, hardware, software, electronic security equipment, installation, maintenance, monitoring and other reasonable physical and structural security measures and improvements are considered allowable expenditures.

The measure also requires disclosure of security-related campaign expenditures in campaign finance reports.

LB986 passed 41-8 and took effect immediately.

Administration and oversight

LB1155, sponsored by Adams Sen. Myron Dorn, updates and clarifies legislative oversight changes enacted last session with passage of a bill that created the Legislative Oversight Committee.

Among other provisions, the measure modifies due dates for annual reports and authorizes secure remote access for audit purposes.

The bill also expands documentation requirements for room confinements longer than one hour to specify the duration of the confinement, facility staffing levels at the time and any incidents of self-harm or suicide committed by a juvenile while isolated.

The Division of Legislative Oversight is required to review collected data, assess room confinement use and prepare an annual report of findings to be delivered to the Legislature.

LB1155 passed on a 49-0 vote.

State law related to the compilation, printing and distribution of several official legislative documents also was updated this session.

LB1236, introduced by the Executive Board, consolidates those duties under the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature and authorizes the clerk to distribute session laws, the legislative journal and state statutes in print, electronic or both formats.

The bill also eliminates mandatory provision of certain documents in specific quantities, instead making them available for distribution upon request.

LB1236 passed on a 49-0 vote and took effect immediately.