Hearing Schedule – Sunday February 4, 2024 to Saturday February 10, 2024
Monday February 5, 2024
Education
Room 1525 – 1:30 PM
OPPOSE: LB939
Introducer: Erdman
Description: Adopt the My Student, My Choice Act
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Monday, February 5th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55201
More Information:
Government-funded unlimited School Choice bill.
Considered potentially more dangerous than LB177 from 2023.
Key Features of LB939:
• Mandatory for public school students.
• Voluntary for private school students.
• Funding allocation varies for full-time and part-time students.
• Failure to notify State Treasurer of within-state school transfer may result in suspension or expulsion.
• State Department of Education approves educational vendors and materials for public school students.
• Private School Expenditure Board appointed by the Governor for private school students.
Concerns Raised by NCHEA:
• LB939 seen as a state takeover of local public schools.
• State tax money funds student accounts at 102% of the previous year’s per pupil cost.
• Local school districts limited to using real property taxes for special education needs.
• State control over approved educational vendors and materials for public school students.
• Belief that LB939 is a “Trojan Horse” to lure private education into government control.
• Fear of compromising principles and faith over time as government control increases.
NCHEA Recommends Opposing LB939 due to concerns about:
• Government control over schools receiving funds.
• Potential long-term impact on private education.
• The preciousness of homeschool freedom.
• Highlight reasons, including the risk of government control over funded schools.
• Emphasize the power of School Choice bills to gradually influence private education.
• Stress the value of homeschool freedom and the need to resist selling it for money.
ALSO Email the Education Committtee:
Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Joni Albrecht, Vice Chairperson – jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lou Ann Linehan llinehan@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Fred Meyer – fmeyer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lynne Walz – lwalz@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Justin Wayne – jwayne@leg.ne.gov
SUPPORT: LB1399
Introducer: Murman
Description: Change provisions relating to the involvement of parents, guardians, and educational decisionmakers in the education of their children
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Monday, February 5th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55180
More Information:
Transparency and Collaboration:
• LB1399 promotes transparency by requiring school districts to provide parents access to specific materials upon request.
• This fosters open communication and trust between parents and schools.
Empowering Parents and Safeguarding Rights:
• LB1399 enables parents to request access to school materials, present on any material used by the school, and actively involve them in their child’s education.
• Simultaneously, the bill protects parental rights by ensuring notice and consent for surveys, allowing parents to refuse consent, creating a balanced approach to parental involvement.
Digital Literacy Notification:
• LB1399 addresses digital literacy by allowing parents to opt-in for email notifications when their child checks out a book from a digital library.
Accountability Measures:
• School districts failing to comply face remedial action, establishing accountability for adherence to transparency and parental involvement guidelines.
Commissioner’s Oversight:
• This allows the Commissioner of Education to actively enforce the bill’s provisions, ensuring effective governance.
Positive Educational Impact:
• LB1399 contributes to a positive educational environment by fostering collaboration, communication, and trust among all stakeholders.
Timely Implementation:
• Requesting a change from the 2024/2025 timeline, LB1399 is designed for swift enactment, ensuring a timely application of its provisions within 90 days of being signed into law.
In summary, LB1399 enhances transparency, empowers parents, addresses digital literacy, protects parental rights, establishes accountability, strengthens oversight, and overall contributes to a positive educational atmosphere, with a specific call for a prompt implementation within 90 days.
ALSO Email the Education Committtee:
Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Joni Albrecht, Vice Chairperson – jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lou Ann Linehan llinehan@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Fred Meyer – fmeyer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lynne Walz – lwalz@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Justin Wayne – jwayne@leg.ne.gov
SUPPORT: LB1193
Introducer: Conrad
Description: Provide a process for a parent or guardian to request that such person’s child repeat a grade under certain circumstances
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Monday, February 5th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55343
More Information:
It only makes sense that if a parent finds it necessary for their child to repeat their current grade in school, they should be able to.
ALSO Email the Education Committtee:
Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Joni Albrecht, Vice Chairperson – jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lou Ann Linehan llinehan@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Fred Meyer – fmeyer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lynne Walz – lwalz@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Justin Wayne – jwayne@leg.ne.gov
Banking, Commerce and Insurance
Room 1507 – 1:30 PM
SUPPORT: LB872
Introducer: Clements
Description: Prohibit acceptance of central bank digital currency by state and local governments
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Monday, February 5th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54898
More Information:
Nebraska needs to protect its citizens from CBDCs. CBDC’s have no place in our economic activities or in our lives.
CBDCs are programmable, they are not money; they are vouchers. CBDCs are an integral part of a social control system.
Citizens need to have a way to opt out of any digital ID.
Prohibiting state agencies from recognizing them is a step in the right direction.
Founders of this country once said that a central bank would be destructive to America’s economic system. Thomas Jefferson further stated, “Paper is poverty. It is only the ghost of money, not money itself.”
Cash payments need to remain an option for the purchase of goods and services.
ALSO Email the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee Members:
Sen. Julie Slama, Chairperson – jslama@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Mike Jacobson, Vice Chairperson – mjacobson@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Raymond Aguilar – raguilar@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Beau Ballard – bballaard@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Eliot Bostar – Ebostar@leg.ne.gov
Sen. George Dungan – Gdungan@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Kathleen Kauth – kkauth@leg.ne.gov
Sen. R. Brad von Gillern – bvongillern@leg.ne.gov
Tuesday February 6, 2024
Education
Room 1525 – 1:30 PM
SUPPORT: LB1339
Introducer: Brewer
Description: Change provisions relating to possession of firearms in schools and authorize schools to provide emergency response mapping data to public safety agencies
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55183
More Information:
Allows school districts to adopt a policy allowing staff to be armed during school and school activities.
Allows school districts to adopt a policy allowing digital mapping to assist law enforcement in the case of an emergency.
ALSO Email the Education Committtee:
Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Joni Albrecht, Vice Chairperson – jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lou Ann Linehan llinehan@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Fred Meyer – fmeyer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lynne Walz – lwalz@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Justin Wayne – jwayne@leg.ne.gov
OPPOSE: LR278CA
Introducer: Murman
Description: Constitutional amendment to change the membership of the State Board of Education
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Tueday, February 6th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55295
More Information:
We’re not even sure why this is being suggested. The Congressional district lines would not provide a more fair distribution of representation than what we currently have now. Making 2 of the seats statewide, at large seats, would make an already difficult task for the larger districts that much more difficult, which would likely preclude those seats to the metro areas where there’s a much higher population density.
ALSO Email the Education Committtee:
Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Joni Albrecht, Vice Chairperson – jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lou Ann Linehan llinehan@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Fred Meyer – fmeyer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Lynne Walz – lwalz@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Justin Wayne – jwayne@leg.ne.gov
Wednesday February 7, 2024
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs
Room 1507 – 1:30 PM
OPPOSE: LB1375
Introducer: Lowe
Description: Change powers and duties of county planning commissions and county boards related to conditional use permits and special exceptions
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55204
More Information:
Democracy at Risk:
• LB 1375’s removal of the requirement for two public hearings jeopardizes the democratic process surrounding permit approvals.
• The current mandatory two-hearing system ensures comprehensive community input and scrutiny, and removing it risks decision-making without full democratic participation.
Limited Public Input:
• The bill’s reduction in public hearings diminishes the opportunity for communities to voice concerns, ask questions, and thoroughly understand the impact of proposed developments.
• Complex projects may be inadequately assessed, potentially leading to decisions with long-term consequences overlooked by the public.
Transparency and Accountability Eroded:
• The option for two public hearings contributes to transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
• Reducing public hearings compromises transparency, creating an environment where decisions may be made with less public scrutiny and oversight.
Risk of Unforeseen Consequences:
• Complex projects often have unforeseen consequences that may only become apparent after thorough public scrutiny.
• Limiting public hearings increases the risk of approving projects without fully understanding potential long-term effects on the community.
Community Concerns Marginalized:
• The elimination of the second public hearing may result in overlooking valid community concerns and objections.
• Vulnerable communities may be disproportionately affected, as the option for two public hearings ensures their voices are heard and considered.
Legal Challenges and Disputes:
• Rushed decisions without adequate public input raise the likelihood of legal challenges and disputes over permit approvals.
• The current two-hearing requirement serves as a precautionary measure to minimize legal complications and ensure thorough consideration
ALSO Email the Government Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Members:
Sen. Tom Brewer, Chairperson – tbrewer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rita Sanders, Vice Chairperson – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Raymond Aguilar – raguilar@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Steve Halloran – shalloran@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov
Sen. John Lowe – jlowe@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Jane Raybould – Jraybould@leg.ne.gov
Judiciary
Room 1113 – 1:30 PM
SUPPORT: LB876
Introducer: Holdcroft
Description: Adopt the Newborn Safe Haven Act
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54932
More Information:
In addition to hospitals, LB 876 would expand the authorized drop-off locations for parents of newborn infants to include staffed fire stations, staffed law enforcement agencies, and newborn safety devices. An infant may also be surrendered to a first responder, EMT or paramedic. The bill also changes the definition of newborn infant to children ninety days old or younger. A parent or other authorized person would be allowed to surrender a newborn infant ninety days old or younger without fear of prosecution.
Our only additional recommendation would be that if at all possible the mothers or parents information should be collected.
ALSO Email the Judiciary Committee Members:
Sen. Justin Wayne, Chairperson – Jwayne@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Vice Chairperson – wdeboer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Carol Blood – cblood@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Carolyn Bosn – cbosn@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Barry DeKay – bdekay@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Teresa Ibach – tibach@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Terrell McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov
Thursday February 8, 2024
Judiciary
Room 1113 – 1:30 PM
SUPPORT: LB1269
Introducer: Hardin
Description: Change provisions relating to the duty to retreat when using force in self-defense or defense of another and provide for criminal and civil immunity
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Thursday, February 8th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54866
More Information:
Removing “Duty to Retreat”:
• Nebraskans have long dealt with the inclusion of “Duty to retreat” language in defense statutes, which can be unsafe and unreasonable.
• LB1269 aims to eliminate the requirement to retreat before using force in self-defense, allowing individuals to act immediately to protect their lives or the lives of others.
Immediate Threat Justification:
• The bill reinforces the principle that lethal force is only justified when a threat is immediate, ensuring a clear and reasonable standard.
• This approach allows law-abiding citizens to take immediate actions necessary to preserve lives without being hindered by the obligation to retreat.
Right to Defend:
• Every person has the inherent right to defend themselves and others, especially when legally present in a particular location.
• The bill emphasizes that individuals should not have a legal obligation to run away if their lives or the lives of others are threatened.
National Context:
• Self-defense is a fundamental right, and LB1269 aligns Nebraska with the majority of states, as 37 others are considered “stand your ground” states, either by law or judicial case-law.
• Highlight that all six neighboring states have embraced similar self-defense principles.
Support for Joining Majority:
• Emphasize that it’s time for Nebraska to align itself with the majority of states by removing the “duty to retreat” requirement and empowering citizens to defend themselves and others without unnecessary legal barriers.
ALSO Email the Judiciary Committee Members:
Sen. Justin Wayne, Chairperson – Jwayne@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Vice Chairperson – wdeboer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Carol Blood – cblood@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Carolyn Bosn – cbosn@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Barry DeKay – bdekay@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Teresa Ibach – tibach@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Terrell McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs
Room 1507 – 1:30 PM
NEUTRAL: LB1300
Introducer: Bostar
Description: Adopt the Pacific Conflict Stress Test Act and the Foreign Adversary Contracting Prohibition Act
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Thursday, February 8th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55110
More Information:
Creating a committee 2 appointed by Governor, The Director of Administrative Services or his or her designee; The State Treasurer or his or her designee; The Adjutant General or his or her designee to audit the critical infrastructure and determine vulnerabilities of dependency on foreign adversaries.
ALSO Email the Government Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Members:
Sen. Tom Brewer, Chairperson – tbrewer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rita Sanders, Vice Chairperson – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Raymond Aguilar – raguilar@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Steve Halloran – shalloran@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov
Sen. John Lowe – jlowe@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Jane Raybould – Jraybould@leg.ne.gov
SUPPORT: LB1303
Introducer: Lippincott
Description: Require the employment of an ethical hacker by the Nebraska State Patrol
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Thursday, February 8th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55485
More Information:
If this bill allows for thorough inspection of the hardware and software utilized in elections, that would be a bonus. How will they get around the contract with ESS to test the vulnerabilities of our election system?
ALSO Email the Government Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Members:
Sen. Tom Brewer, Chairperson – tbrewer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Rita Sanders, Vice Chairperson – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Raymond Aguilar – raguilar@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Steve Halloran – shalloran@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov
Sen. John Lowe – jlowe@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Jane Raybould – Jraybould@leg.ne.gov
Revenue
Room 1524 – 1:30 PM
SUPPORT: LB877
Introducer: Holdcroft
Description: Change provisions relating to agricultural or horticultural land receiving special valuation
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Thursday, February 8th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=54902
More Information:
Simplified Rules: LB 877 simplifies and clarifies laws from LB 580 in 2023, making them easier to understand and follow.
Special Tax Treatment: The bill now includes special tax benefits for small farms, supporting those with smaller plots of land.
Easy Qualification: Land qualifies with five acres or more, or for smaller plots, by showing farming profits or losses for two out of the last three years.
Yearly Check for Fairness: An annual check on January 1 ensures fair and accurate application of special tax treatment.
Fairness Assurance: The bill includes checks by the county board and Tax Equalization and Review Commission to ensure fair treatment.
Backdated Benefits: Changes apply since January 1, 2023, benefiting applicants retroactively.
Avoiding Disqualification: Landowners must be aware of factors like written notices or changes that could disqualify them, maintaining fairness.
Old Rules Replaced: LB 877 replaces outdated rules from 2023, showing a commitment to improving conditions for landowners.
Quick Implementation: The bill takes effect immediately upon approval, emphasizing its urgency and importance.
ALSO Email the Revenue Committee Members:
Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, Chairperson – llinehan@leg.ne.gov
Sen. R. Brad von Gillern, Vice Chairperson – bvongillern@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Joni Albrecht – jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Eliot Bostar – Ebostar@leg.ne.gov
Sen. George Dungan – Gdungan@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Kathleen Kauth – kkauth@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Fred Meyer – fmeyer@leg.ne.gov
Sen. Dave Murman – dmurman@leg.ne.gov
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Nebraskans Against Government Overreach 