Today was the first day of Bill Introduction – 81 bills introduced and 4 resolutions! A fairly typical start to the whirlwind that is our Unicameral.
Of the first set of bills introduced, the following stood out to us. We will provide some of our initial thoughts. You can also view the full list of newly introduced bills here:
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/search_by_date.php?SessionDay=2025
LB3 – Change provisions relating to the selection of presidential electors
Introducer: Lippincott – llippincott@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB3.pdf
First up, Lippincott has introduced the Winner Take All bill, as he promised. This issue has been discussed at length by numerous parties since the absolute debacle that occurred last session. We understand that this issue has large support from conservatives across the state. NAGO still holds the position that we are technically doing it right as our process currently stands. We will continue to provide updates on this bill as the session progresses, however we hope to see an amendment added that provides for a sunset or clause that allows us to revert if and when other states make the switch.
LB7 – Change provisions relating to real estate and the Foreign-owned Real Estate National Security Act
Introducer: DeKay – bdekay@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB7.pdf
LB7 looks to implement changes that would provide some level of protection from foreign adversaries owning real estate in Nebraska. This is one we will dive into further and provide updates.
LB14 – Adopt the Hunger-Free Schools Act
Introducer: Cavanaugh, M. – mcavanaugh@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB14.pdf
We want to hear more about this issue. It is important that children have the opportunity to eat lunch at school even if the parent(s) are unable to afford the cost. There is a potential that while on this crusade, Cavanaugh might consider hearing us out on the need to ensure the foods provided are in fact healthy and eliminate dyes, artificial sweeteners, and/or prepackaged foods.
LB28 – Provide for an income tax adjustment for tip income
Introducer: Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB28.pdf
At first glance, it looks as though LB28 removes income earned from tips from your State income taxes.
LB29 – Create a review process for agency rules and regulations
Introducer: Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: here:https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB29.pdf
Another interesting one from Conrad. While we are fans of external audits, LB29 seems to provide for an internal audit of the rules and regulations of ALL government agencies. A report would be given to the overseeing legislative committee. The committee would then provide a report and recommendations by the end of the year.
We hope there is the potential that a public hearing could be provided somewhere in this process.
LB30 – Provide for an income tax adjustment for income received from overtime compensation
Introducer: Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB30.pdf
This bill seems to do the same as LB28 for any income earned from overtime.
LB31 – Require school policies relating to the use of student surveillance, monitoring, and tracking technology by school districts
Introducer: Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB31.pdf
LB31 looks to be implementing a requirement for the SBOE and school districts to formulate a report on any surveillance and tracking systems. To report who the vendors are, what services they provide, and what data they might collect or sell. It’s a longer read, but it sounds like it might be a good idea. We look forward to hearing more discussion on this bill.
LB32 – Change provisions relating to disclaimers on political advertisements
Introducer: Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB32.pdf
LB32 would allow candidates to use a PO box on Mailers rather than their home address. We could see benefits and risks to this. It won’t break our hearts if it doesn’t pass, but we’re open to it.
LB34 – Provide for year-round daylight saving time
Introducer: Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB34.pdf
Senator Hunt is stepping into the shoes of former Senator Erdman on this one! This has been an issue that we have heard people of all political spectrums supporting. It will be interesting to see if her attempt receives the same pushback from the media and sports lobbyists that Erdman saw.
LB37 – Adopt the Railroad Safety Act
Introducer: Jacobsen – mjacobson@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: here:https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB37.pdf
We’ve gone from a bill seeking a required 2-man crew to a full-blown safety act! We’re not sure he’s wrong, but our hope is to receive feedback from any of our friends and followers who have current or past experience with the railcrew and railroad systems! Feel free to email us at info@nago.group
Currently, our line of thought is that just like they determine laws of the roads and highways, the legislature should have some say in the rules of the railways. Especially as they travel through many communities across the state.
LB41 – Change blood test requirements for pregnant women
Introducer: Riepe – mriepe@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB41.pdf
This just seems silly and unnecessary. According to current law, an OB or whomever is providing care, is to administer a blood test in the first trimester to test for syphilis. Riepe is now proposing an additionally required two tests, one in the third trimester and the second after birth – for syphilis.
We’re not sure (yet) how many women are developing syphilis between their first and third trimester, let alone the third trimester and birth, but we can’t imagine it’s enough that we need to put in law that all women should do it three times!!!
At this point in time, we’re entirely opposed to this.
LB46 – Establish a Restaurant Meals Program under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Introducer: McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB46.pdf
This bill, LB46, would provide restaurants to contract with the SNAP program to establish a Restaurant Meals Program for the elderly and homeless to use snap funds at these specific establishments. We can only assume the argument for this is that the elderly and homeless are the most likely to not have access or maybe the ability to use a kitchen to prepare fresh foods.
LB49 – Provide for a model ban and bar policy for school districts
Introducer: McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB49.pdf
LB49 requires a policy to be created on the process, length, and recourse for a Ban and Bar policy. We believe this could be an important change and look forward to further discussion on the issue.
LB53 – Provide criminal and civil immunity for pregnancy outcomes
Introducer: Cavanaugh M. – mcavanaugh@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB53.pdf
This one from Cavanaugh is a roundabout way to legalize abortion. Coming from a woman who regularly discusses the need to protect women who are raped or living in an abusive relationship, LB53 seems to lack all protections from ensuring an abuser could not take advantage of this legislation
LB80 – Adopt the Protection Orders Act
Introducer: Hallstrom – rhallstrom@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB80.pdf
This is a big one, and we will review it several more times. Our initial review of LB80 is that he is providing a process for determining what kind of protection order is needed – domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and harassment. This could be a good thing, and we look forward to further information.
LB81 – Define a term and change tax credit provisions under the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive Act
Introducer: Hallstrom – rhallstrom@leg.ne.gov
View Bill text here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/109/PDF/Intro/LB81.pdf
LB81 seems to be setting an increase on the property tax credit. It’s unclear how this will benefit Nebraskans and will provide updates when more information is available.
More bills will be introduced tomorrow and in the next few coming weeks. NAGO will continue to work through each one and provide updates on bills and amendments pertinent to our goals and efforts.
Public hearings are expected to begin January 22nd. Please be mindful as we approach this period. Watch closely and join us in person for important bills at the public hearings or submit comments online!
The Legislature adjourned early in the afternoon following their inaugural ceremony for the newly elected SBOE members and University Regents.
Again, a huge congratulations to Lisa Schonhoff, and we hope to see big things from our conservative members on the board!!!
Tomorrow is the press release for the Stand With Women bill at 10 am. Please consider joining us at the Capitol, arrive early to find parking. A counter protest is also scheduled, so parking may become difficult close to the Capitol.
Monday morning, the Nebraska Convention of States chapter will be meeting for a press release at the Capitol at noon in the rotunda on the second floor. We encourage as many as can make it to join us!
We will provide updates on other events, rallies, and opportunities as they come up! If you have a group or organization that would like us to share about your upcoming event, please email alliebush@nago.group
Is it Deja Vu?
In other news, following our reminder of the upcoming SCC meeting for the NEGOP, a counter recommendation was made. Unfortunately, the author(s) of this recommendation didn’t bother to provide any reason or explanation for voting against the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th amendments, which leaves us room only to make assumptions.
Unless the author of the opposing recommendations is also the author of the emailed document containing the amendments (where they inappropriately inputted their own “explanations” onto others’ work mind you) we are left to believe this author expects the people and more specifically the members of the SCC to just take them at “their word” and vote as their told.
It’s amazing to watch unfold in front of our very own eyes the exact same treatment and actions that occurred in Kearney when we were blacklisted from even entering the meeting and the grassroots supporters had a heck of a time even getting their papers in the door. I guess we’ll find out soon, if this really is a deja vu moment!
We don’t have access to a contact list, that’s under lock and key (go figure), so we hope our members and followers will help us spread the word! We’re not looking to take over, we’re not kicking anyone out, we simply want everyone to follow the rules, to be accountable to those rules, and to set aside their own personal accord and truly represent the will of We the People.
As always feel free to contact us with any comments, questions, or concerns. If you haven’t yet, sign up for our newsletter and get involved today! http://www.nago.group
P.S We did take note that it’s the first day and of the 81 bills, fixing (REDUCING or eliminating) property taxes nor eliminating inheritance taxes have been introduced… with the amount of unrest and travesty that is building up over the taxes in Nebraska, we would’ve expected to see more, if not ANY, bills that would address this right out of the gate!
Nebraskans Against Government Overreach 