Several bills to oppose, a couple to support – including cracking down on child predators and another that just raises more questions!
Wednesday February 28, 2024
Government, Military and Veterans AffairsRoom 1507 – 1:30 PM
OPPOSE: LB1203
Introducer: Cavanaugh, J.
Description: Regulate artificial intelligence in media and political advertisements under the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55088
More Information:
Supporters argue that LB1203 is crucial for maintaining transparency and protecting the public from potentially harmful deceptive media created using artificial intelligence. It helps ensure that individuals consuming content are aware when AI is involved, fostering informed decision-making.
Opponents may argue that LB1203 could stifle innovation by imposing additional disclosure requirements. They might express concerns about the potential vagueness in defining “materially deceptive media” and argue that it could lead to subjective interpretations, hindering the development and deployment of AI technologies.
Because the full proposed bill was not available online, we can only speculate as to what Senator J. Cavanaugh intended.
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: LB1382
Introducer: Hansen
Description: Prohibit paying petition circulators based on the number of signatures and prohibit certain contributions to ballot question committees
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55529
More Information:
Statement of Intent – The following constitutes the reasons for this bill and the purposes which are sought to be
accomplished thereby:
-Circulators of a petition shall not be paid based on the number of signatures collected.
-Contributions to a ballot question committee totaling more than twenty thousand dollars can only be made by
individuals.
These are common sense rules to ensure dark money and/or nefarious actors are not able to push their agenda through the petition process and maintain a process of the people, by the people, and for the people.
I.E. the NSEA funding the petition to remove the Opportunity Scholarships Act. Nothing in this bill would preclude individuals that support a petition from donating as much as they choose to.
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
OPPOSE: LB1390
Introducer: Bostar
Description: Require a report and prohibit certain activities related to elections and change and provide penalties
Note: *LB 1390 will be a combined bill hearing with LB 1262
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55370
More Information:
Legislative Bill 1390, from Lincoln State Sen. Eliot Bostar and endorsed by Civic Nebraska, would prohibit deep fakes, or deceptive images or videos, of election officers. It also would crack down on threats and harassment of election officials or election workers and requires an annual report. It will be considered at a Government Committee hearing Wednesday.
https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/02/26/civic-nebraska-hosts-ai-and-democracy-summit-at-unl-ahead-of-legislative-hearing/
From Finchem regarding 1390:
The crackdown on threats and harassment of election officials or election workers” either needs to go, or must be narrowly defined, like “threats of physical violence. ” The new tactic by the left is to treat everything as intimidation when it is not. You have the right to ask questions about the process and to make that illegal a violation of the First Amendment.
Additional Opposing Talking Points:
1. **Government Overreach:** This bill introduces additional regulations that may be seen as an unnecessary extension of government power. Existing legislation already addresses threats, harassment, and interference, making this new legislation potentially redundant and contributing to a perception of overreach.
*Counterpoint:* Current laws are sufficient in addressing interference with election officers and workers. Expanding legislation without clear evidence of inadequacy in existing statutes may lead to unnecessary bureaucracy.
2. **Privacy Concerns:** Prohibiting the dissemination of home addresses raises privacy concerns. While protecting election officials is essential, this provision might be considered an infringement on free speech or information sharing, especially if the information is already publicly available through other legal means.
*Counterpoint:* Existing laws protect against harassment and threats, making a specific prohibition on disseminating home addresses seem excessive. Privacy concerns should be balanced with the public’s right to access information in a transparent democracy.
3. **Emergency Declaration:** The bill declares an emergency without specifying the nature of the emergency. Immediate enforcement without transparent disclosure to the public can be perceived as a lack of accountability, undermining the principles of open governance.
*Counterpoint:* If there is a legitimate emergency, it should be disclosed transparently to the public. Declaring an emergency without providing details creates ambiguity and could be exploited to implement measures without proper scrutiny. Existing legislation can be used to address emergencies without the need for additional laws.
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
NEUTRAL: LB1262
Introducer: Day
Description: Change and eliminate provisions relating to the Commission on Indian Affairs and provide for an ongoing study relating to Native American voting issues
Note: *LB 1262 will be a combined bill hearing with LB 1390
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55334
More Information:
Statement of Intent – LB1262 creates the Native American Voting Rights Commission within the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, to study and determine any barriers to voting and equal representation for Indian tribes in Nebraska.
When the government forms a committee, likely nothing will be accomplished. That is exactly what this bill proposal is-
This proposed bill aims to make changes to the Commission on Indian Affairs in Nebraska. It suggests renaming the Commission on Indian Affairs Act and adjusting the composition of the commission. The bill proposes an ongoing study to identify and address barriers to voting for Native American tribes in Nebraska. Additionally, it seeks to eliminate outdated provisions, create a Commission on Indian Affairs Cash Fund, and repeal certain sections. The bill emphasizes collaboration with tribal representatives and relevant experts to enhance Native American voting accessibility and representation.
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
JudiciaryRoom 1113 – 1:30 PM
SUPPORT: LR277CA
Introducer: Sanders
Description: Constitutional amendment to require the Legislature to enact laws providing for life imprisonment for sex or labor trafficking of a minor and certain sex offenses involving minors
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55212
More Information:
Statement of Intent – This resolution ensures the Legislature will enact laws providing that any individual who is convicted of a criminal offense involving sex trafficking of a minor, labor trafficking of a minor, or paying for sex with a minor will be sentenced to life imprisonment.
1. **Protecting Vulnerable Children:** This constitutional change emphasizes the paramount importance of safeguarding children in our state. By mandating a minimum sentence of life imprisonment for those convicted of heinous crimes like sex trafficking, labor trafficking, or paying for sex with a minor, we send a strong message that the safety and well-being of our children are non-negotiable priorities.
2. **Removing Dangerous Individuals from Society:** This proposed amendment addresses the need to keep dangerous individuals away from the public. By imposing a life sentence on those convicted of serious offenses against minors, we take a proactive stance in preventing potential harm and ensuring that those who pose a significant risk to society are effectively removed, promoting overall community safety.
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 29, 2024
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs
Room 1507 – 1:30 PM
NEUTRAL: LB1417
Introducer: Brewer
Description: Create, eliminate, terminate, and provide, change, eliminate, and transfer powers, duties, and membership of boards, commissions, committees, councils, task forces, panels, authorities, and departments and change and eliminate funds
* If you cannot join us in person, please submit online testimony, comments must be submitted by Thursday, February 29th, 2024 at 8:00 AM! *
Download the Bill Introduction and Submit an Online Comment here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55542
More Information:
This bill is eliminating 100+ statutes with no additional explanation aside from “at the request of the Governor”. How these eliminations will benefit Nebraskans is unclear.
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
Nebraskans Against Government Overreach 