The 105th Nebraska Legislature convened Jan. 3 for its 60-day second session. Lawmakers welcomed Omaha Sen. Theresa Thibodeau, who was appointed to replace former Sen. Joni Craighead.<\/p>\n
Senators voted 25-24 to elect Omaha Sen. Robert Hilkemann over Hastings Sen. Steve Halloran to lead the Committee on Committees, a post left open by Craighead\u2019s resignation in September. The committee appoints senators to the Legislature\u2019s standing and select committees.<\/p>\n
In his speech announcing his nomination, Hilkemann said he has been a leader in his profession, community and church. He also has served as vice chairperson of the Appropriations Committee and was selected for a national leadership program for state government officials last year. As a current member of the Committee on Committees, Hilkemann said, he understands how the Legislature\u2019s work depends on assembling good committees.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have seen how important our work is and how the values of integrity, honesty, transparency and fairness are imperative,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Lawmakers also elected Jim Doggett to serve as the Legislature\u2019s chief sergeant-at-arms. The sergeants-at-arms maintain order in the legislative chamber, lobby and committee hearing rooms. He replaces Ron Witkowski, who retired last year after 21 years with the Legislature.<\/p>\n
Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican swore in Doggett, who served as the Legislature\u2019s assistant sergeant-at-arms from 2013 to 2017. Previously, Doggett was a member of the Nebraska State Patrol from 1988 to 2007, when he retired from the position of Captain of Carrier Enforcement.<\/p>\n
Senators may introduce bills for the first 10 legislative days, or through Jan. 18.<\/p>\n
Gov. Pete Ricketts will give his State of the State address Jan. 10 in the legislative chamber. Heavican will give his State of the Judiciary address Jan. 18.<\/p>\n
Committee hearings begin Jan. 16 and full-day floor debate starts Feb. 28. The session will last 60 legislative days and tentatively is scheduled to end April 18.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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