Unicameral Update

The head of the state’s judicial branch reported on its work to make the state’s court system more accessible to all Nebraskans in his State of the Judiciary address Jan. 22.

Ceremonies

January 22, 2020 admin

Day nine bill introduction

Senators introduced 58 new measures on the ninth day of bill introduction Jan. 22.

Executive Board

January 22, 2020 admin

Number of state senators could increase

The maximum possible number of Nebraska state senators would be raised under a proposed constitutional amendment heard by the Legislature’s Executive Board Jan. 22.

Revenue

January 22, 2020 admin

Expanded child care tax credit advanced

Self-employed child care providers could apply for a state income tax credit under a bill advanced from general file Jan. 22.

Education

January 22, 2020 admin

Allocation of lottery funds for education proposed

The Education Committee heard testimony Jan. 21 on a bill that would allocate lottery funds to certain education-related grant programs for the next several years.

Banking Commerce and Insurance

January 21, 2020 admin

Students nearing the completion of an accounting degree would have more time to take the certified public accountant exam under a bill discussed Jan. 21 in a Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee hearing.

General Affairs

January 21, 2020 admin

New regulation sought for party buses

Lawmakers advanced a bill from general file Jan. 21 that would license charter busses that allow consumption of alcohol under the state’s Liquor Control Act.

Ceremonies

January 21, 2020 admin

Day eight bill introduction

Senators introduced 55 measures on the eighth day of bill introduction Jan. 21.

Among the measures introduced were:

LB1058, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Sara Howard, which would adopt the Population Health Information Act;

Business and Labor

January 21, 2020 admin

Paid family medical leave proposal stalls

Senators debated a bill Jan. 15 and 21 that would guarantee paid leave to Nebraskans.

Ceremonies

January 16, 2020 admin

Day seven bill introduction

Senators introduced 31 measures on the seventh day of bill introduction Jan. 16.

Among the proposals were:

LB1022, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen, which would provide for election of election commissioners and eliminate certain deputy positions;

Agriculture

January 16, 2020 admin

Deceptive trade practice tied to food labeling put on hold

Violating state law regarding food labels would be a deceptive trade practice under a bill debated on general file Jan. 15.

Ceremonies

January 15, 2020 admin

Day six bill introduction

Senators introduced 22 measures on the sixth day of bill introduction Jan. 15.

LB1000, sponsored by Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood, which would direct any registration fees from fantasy contests to the early childhood and childcare workforce;

Ceremonies

January 15, 2020 admin

Governor prioritizes property tax reduction, flood relief

Gov. Pete Ricketts revealed his budgetary and legislative priorities for Nebraska during his State of the State address Jan. 15. The governor highlighted proposals to provide property tax relief and flood recovery.