Floor debate has begun this week. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday the legislature has averaged about an hour a day on “debate” over, what they consider to be, less controversial bills that they have flown through passing onto the next level of debate (E&R Initial). Feel free to check them all out below:
LB21 Adopt the Uniform Unlawful Restrictions in Land Records Act LB38 Change provisions of the Geologists Regulation Act LB43 Change provisions relating to notice and certification requirements for electric generation facilities, transmission lines, and privately developed renewable energy generation facilities located near military installations LB51 Adopt the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact LB52 Provide additional offenses for which notification to crime victims is required LB72 Change provisions relating to controlled substance schedules under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act LB85 Change requirements for collection of personal property of decedents’ estates by affidavit LB91 Change provisions relating to the conveyance of electric distribution systems by public power districts or public power and irrigation districts to cities or villages LB108 Change contributions provisions under the Cities of the First Class Firefighters Retirement Act LB167 Change the sunset date for the Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Act LB182 Change provisions relating to the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Act and the Child Care Tax Credit Act LB187 Change provisions of the Nebraska Real Estate License Act LB197 Change provisions relating to disqualification for benefits, claim determinations, and claim redeterminations under the Employment Security Law LB208 Change provisions relating to sales tax collection fees, confidentiality of sales tax information, the streamlined sales and use tax agreement, a sales tax database, and certain income tax credits
They ended the day on LB229, which was introduced by first-year Senator Hallstrom. The bill is titled, “Exclude marketplace network contractors working for marketplace network platforms from the Employment Security Law”. From the title, you probably wouldn’t conclude it’s all about Uber and Lyft.
The Statement of Intent for LB 229 is as follows: *LB229 defines employment status of individuals engaged in the Marketplace Network Platform. These are workers engaged in services utilizing tech applications such as Uber and DoorDash. The bill specifies the nature of their employment as independent contractors.*
The democrats have dragged this one out claiming it has the potential to harm Uber and Lyft, etc., drivers. The Republicans insist it changes nothing, just gives the current status legitimacy and therefore access to tax credits. If you happen to participate in this kind of work, consider checking out the Bill text and emailing your Senator before the weekend is over.
UPCOMING WEEK’S PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE (2.3 – 2.7)
Monday February 3, 2025
Business and Labor Room 2102 – 1:30 PM
SUPPORT: LB353 Introducer: Lonowski Description: Allow public school employees to join or terminate membership in a labor organization
Statement of Intent:*Legislative Bill 353 allows public school employees to join or terminate membership in a labor organization at any time. It prohibits labor organizations representing school employees from placing any restrictions on when a public school employee may join or terminate membership in a labor organization. Currently, public school labor organizations include arbitrary opt-out dates restricting school employees’ constitutional right to free association. LB 353 allows freedom of choice for public school employees regarding membership in labor organizations. LB 353 would apply to contracts entered into after the effective date of the bill.*
ALSO Email the Business and Labor Committee: Sen. Kathleen Kauth, Chairperson – kkauth@leg.ne.gov Sen. Ben Hansen – bhansen@leg.ne.gov Sen. Teresa Ibach – tibach@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan McKeon – dmckeon@leg.ne.gov Sen. Terrell McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jane Raybould – Jraybould@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tony Sorrentino – TSorrentino@leg.ne.gov
As we dive into Education Committee Hearings over the next two days, we also encourage you to also read and consider the information shared by NFFV and Forward Nebraska.
SUPPORT: LB625 Introducer: Dover Description: Provide for the establishment of a database of financial information from all school districts in the state
Statement of Intent:*LB625 will provide an easily accessible and easily navigated website for taxpayers to access the financial information of school districts across the state. The information provided will include but not be limited to revenue sources, expenditures, and a balance sheet that contains all assets and liabilities, which reflects all committed and uncommitted funds.*
ALSO Email the Education Committee: Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jana Hughes – jhughes@leg.ne.gov Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov Sen. Margo Juarez – MJuarez@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Lonowski – dlonowski@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
SUPPORT: LB390 Introducer: Murman Description: Require each school board to adopt a policy relating to access by a parent, guardian, or educational decisionmaker to certain school library information
Statement of Intent: *LB 390 supports transparency by requiring school libraries to publish an online catalog of books in the district’s library and provides the opportunity for a parent of a student to be notified of the materials checked out by their child.*
ALSO Email the Education Committee: Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jana Hughes – jhughes@leg.ne.gov Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov Sen. Margo Juarez – MJuarez@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Lonowski – dlonowski@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Tuesday February 4, 2025
Agriculture Room 1023 – 1:30 PM
OPPOSE: LB245 Introducer: DeKay Description: Change provisions of the Nebraska Pure Food Act
Statement of Intent:*LB 245 is brought at the request of the Department of Agriculture to update the provisions of the Nebraska Pure Food Act. The bill would incorporate the 2022 Food Code (Nebraska currently incorporates the 2017 Food Code), a publication of the Food and Drug Administration, which sets forth science based and uniform standards for the safe sourcing, storage, handling, preparation, labeling, presentation and service of food by commercial food establishments. The bill further revises variances from Food Code recommendations, which are set out in the Nebraska Pure Food Act. Additionally, LB 245 clarifies and updates reference to the Code of Federal Regulations provisions pertaining to Good Manufacturing Practices. LB 245 also contains a series of revisions to the Pure Food Act to incorporate the department’s recommendations to resolve ambiguities, outdated provisions, and ineffeciencies in the administration of the Act. Finally, the bill would reclassify and revise the schedule of permit and annual fees assessed to food establishments supporting the inspection and enforcement activities of the department. LB 245 renames what is currently identified as an annual inspection fee as simply an annual fee. Additionally, the bill establishes a new schedule of statutory maximums for the initial permit fee and the annual fee per food establishment unit within the various food establishment license categories. The increased fee authority would facilitate transitioning the Department’s Pure Food Act responsibilities to be fully cash funded.*
More Information: We can not in good conscious support this bill. It increases the annual inspection fee from ≈ $84 to a whopping $200! It’s bills like these that make us doubt the senators that claim they support NE Small Businesses.
ALSO Email the Agriculture Committee: Sen. Barry DeKay, Chairperson – bdekay@leg.ne.gov Sen. Teresa Ibach, Vice Chairperson – tibach@leg.ne.gov Sen. Ben Hansen – bhansen@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov Sen. Kathleen Kauth – kkauth@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan McKeon – dmckeon@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jane Raybould – Jraybould@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jared Storm – JStorm@leg.ne.gov
Statement of Intent:*LB 375 would create the Grocer Reinvestment Option Act, creating a grant program through the Department of Economic Development for small, locally-owned grocery stores in areas where residents must travel a substantial distance to shop for groceries. The grants would be used to improve the viability and long-term sustainability of independent grocery to 1)obtain assistance with applying for federal funding opportunities, 2) convert to a multi-owner or community-supported operating model, 3) purchase new equipment and technology, or 4)pilot a wholesale buying cooperative to improve purchasing power.*
More Information: This also looks like a good program, and coming from small villages (for many of our admins) could be very beneficial. It’s simply unfortunate that this will likely have a large startup cost and at its foundation we’re just picking more winners and losers, we’re taking more federal funds (with what strings?), and what additional oversight and fees will this program bring? For those reasons, at this time, we will remain neutral.
ALSO Email the Agriculture Committee: Sen. Barry DeKay, Chairperson – bdekay@leg.ne.gov Sen. Teresa Ibach, Vice Chairperson – tibach@leg.ne.gov Sen. Ben Hansen – bhansen@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov Sen. Kathleen Kauth – kkauth@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan McKeon – dmckeon@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jane Raybould – Jraybould@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jared Storm – JStorm@leg.ne.gov
Education Room 1525 – 1:30 PM
NEUTRAL: LB140 Introducer: Sanders Description: Require school policies relating to the use of electronic communication devices by students
More Information: This bill sounds like a really great thing. It sounds like common sense, and we’re inclined to support it from the get-go. However, after talking with several individuals, teachers, and parents, we’re willing to take a beat and see where the discussion takes us. Initially, our thought process is that the distraction, bullying, and legitimate harm from screen exposure and wifi/5g radiation (we won’t get into that now though) outweigh the benefits of cell phone access for students. The pushback from parents relates most to emergency and medical situations. A few teachers have expressed they have no problem with phones in their classes, and the students put them away when instructed. So, we’ll see where the discussion and testimony lead us.
ALSO Email the Education Committee: Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jana Hughes – jhughes@leg.ne.gov Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov Sen. Margo Juarez – MJuarez@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Lonowski – dlonowski@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
OPPOSE: LB567 Introducer: Quick Description: Authorize school policies relating to community engagement
Statement of Intent:*LB 567 authorizes the State Department of Education to develop a model policy to increase engagement between schools, students and their families, and surrounding communities. This policy will provide guidance for schools to implement strategies determined in collaboration with parents and local stakeholders. These strategies may focus on strengthening school-family connections, addressing students’ basic needs, expanding learning opportunities, increasing parental involvement, and addressing other factors that support academic success. The framework policy may also prescribe the role of a coordinator to help coordinate services. This bill is meant to increase awareness and adoption of these strategies, allowing districts across the state to seek inspiration from one another, increase access to potential partnerships, emphasize the role parents and families play in a child’s education, elevate existing opportunities to strengthen community collaborations, and see more resources go into schools. *
More Information: This legislation sounds a lot like a backdoor to allow LGBTQ activists to partner in schools.
ALSO Email the Education Committee: Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jana Hughes – jhughes@leg.ne.gov Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov Sen. Margo Juarez – MJuarez@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Lonowski – dlonowski@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
SUPPORT: LB31 Introducer: Conrad Description: Require school policies relating to the use of student surveillance, monitoring, and tracking technology by school districts
Statement of Intent: *LB 31 directs the Nebraska State Board of Education to develop a model policy relating to the use of student surveillance, monitoring and tracking technologies and to require eachschool district to adopt a policy consistent with such model policy. At a minimum, the policy shall require school districts to do the following: • Create an inventory of the type of surveillance tools or student surveys that gather personal information considered for use or actual use in the school district, including • name and contact information for each private company, vendor or governmental entityand cost of such technology; • Description of each tool used, including privacy protection measures and data sharing; • whether or not parents may opt their students out of being subject to such tools; • if and how data from such monitoring is used and shared with law enforcement or what if any implications for punitive actions under the Student Discipline Act.; • how each school ensures proper accommodation for students with disabilities or IEPs and how biometric or personally identifiable info is stored, shared, or sold with the private companies, vendors, or governmental entities providing such tools, and • clearly delineate what remedies are available to students and parents for violations of personal privacy related to such tools, including but not limited to, the Consumer Protection Act, the Political Subdivisions Tort Claims and Act and section 79-2,104. The inventory and information related to such information considered for use or utilized by the school districts shall be posted on each schools website and will be made available byhard copy by request. Beginning May 1, 2026, each school board shall adopt a written policy consistent with themodel policy.*
ALSO Email the Education Committee: Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jana Hughes – jhughes@leg.ne.gov Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov Sen. Margo Juarez – MJuarez@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Lonowski – dlonowski@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
SUPPORT: LB428 Introducer: Murman Description: Change provisions relating to school policies on the involvement of parents, guardians, and educational decisionmakers in schools
Statement of Intent: *LB 428 ensures parents are notified of any surveys regarding sensitive and personal information administered to students, the purpose of the collected data, the practices of how such data is to be stored or shared, and allows parents to exempt their child from participating in them. *
ALSO Email the Education Committee: Sen. Dave Murman, Chairperson – dmurman@leg.ne.gov Sen. Danielle Conrad – dconrad@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jana Hughes – jhughes@leg.ne.gov Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov Sen. Margo Juarez – MJuarez@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Lonowski – dlonowski@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rita Sanders – rsanders@leg.ne.gov
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Health and Human Services Room 1510 – 1:30 PM
NEUTRAL: LB374 Introducer: Hansen Description: Adopt the Licensed Midwives Practice Act
Statement of Intent:*LB 374 creates licensure for professional midwives through the Licensed Midwives Practice Act. No person shall engage in professional midwifery unless they are licensed under the act asdetermined by the Board of Licensed Midwives. The applicants for licensure shall apply to the department and show they are able to satisfy the requirements. The department will also establish and collect fees for initial licensure and renewal. A licensed midwife may provide care that is consistent with national professional midwifery standards. Health care providers shall not be liable for outcomes arising from actions of licensed midwives. The Board of Licensed Midwives shall adopt rules and regulations that include the standardsof practice of professional midwifery based on rules established by the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives and the North American Registry of Midwives or their successor organizations.*
More Information: There are a few necessary amendments needed to ensure that midwives who are not NARM certified and don’t wish to be licensed are not required to be. So long as those amendments are adopted, we will hold a neutral position. (More info to come…)
ALSO Email the Health and Human Services Committee: Sen. Brian Hardin, Chairperson – bhardin@leg.ne.gov Sen. John Fredrickson, Vice Chairperson – jfredrickson@leg.ne.gov Sen. Beau Ballard – bballard@leg.ne.gov Sen. Ben Hansen – bhansen@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Quick – dquick@leg.ne.gov Sen. Merv Riepe – mriepe@leg.ne.gov
Revenue Room 1524 – 1:30 PM
NEUTRAL: LB468 Introducer: Clements Description: Change provisions relating to inheritance taxes, change certain fee and tax provisions, and eliminate a sales tax exemption relating to data centers
Statement of Intent:*LB468 aims to lower Nebraska’s inheritance tax and make it fairer. It will drop the Class 2 and Class 3 inheritance tax rates to 1% and increase exemptions to $100,000 making all classes identical.Currently, beneficiaries pay one of three drastically different rates, depending upon their relation to the deceased:
Class 1: Children, Parents, Siblings pay 1% after a $100,000 exemption. Class 2: Nieces/Nephews, Aunts/Uncles pay 11% after a $40,000 exemption. Class 3: Non-relatives pay 15% after a $25,000 exemption.
Due to our double-digit Class 2 and 3 rates, 38% of inheritance tax is paid by 12% of beneficiaries. Nebraska remains one of only five states that still collect inheritance tax, which include Kentucky, Pennsylvania,New Jersey, and Maryland. Iowa ended its inheritance tax on Jan 1, 2025. Nebraska is the only state where inheritance tax revenue goes exclusively to the counties.
LB 468 replaces the inheritance tax revenue lost by counties due to the lower rates. The bill includes the following 10 changes to county revenue sources:
1. County Motor Vehicle Tax Administration Fee increase from 1% to 2% to cover the costs of administering collections. 2. Insurance Premium Tax: Counties will receive an additional 10%. 3. Securities Act Cash Fund- Counties will receive $5M/yr. 4. (Train) Car Line Tax allocated 100% to the county, aligning it with the Airline Distribution Method. 5. Nameplate Capacity Tax- an increase of rates from $3518/MW to $6560/MW, to reflect the 4.55% average yearly property tax growth since 2011. 6. Doc Stamp tax: $.35 reallocation and $.50 increase. 7. to 10. NACO Recommended increases to cover the true cost of fees for: Marriage Licenses, Real Property Advertising, Motor Vehicle Inspection, and Distressed Warrants.
LB 468 also removes sale tax exemptions for data centers and the Modernization Tier in ImagiNE.*
More Information: We really want to support this legislation. Unfortunately, it just puts a bandaid on a gaping wound. We need to ELIMINATE Inheritance Tax. Yes, this gets us closer, but only by INCREASING taxes and fees elsewhere.
ALSO Email the Revenue Committee: Sen. R. Brad von Gillern, Chairperson – bvongillern@leg.ne.gov Sen. Mike Jacobson, Vice Chairperson – mjacobson@leg.ne.gov Sen. Eliot Bostar – Ebostar@leg.ne.gov Sen. George Dungan – Gdungan@leg.ne.gov Sen. Teresa lbach – tibach@leg.ne.gov Sen. Kathleen Kauth – kkauth@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dave Murman – dmurman@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tony Sorrentino – TSorrentino@leg.ne.gov
Thursday February 6, 2025
Health and Human Services Room 1510 – 1:30 PM
OPPOSE: LB46 Introducer: McKinney Description: Establish a Restaurant Meals Program under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Statement of Intent:*The intent of LB46 is to encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a restaurant meals program within the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This initiative would allow eligible elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals—who may struggle with meal preparation or lack stable housing for food storage and cooking—to use their SNAP benefits to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants at reduced prices.*
More Information: We are all for supporting the needy in our local communities – through actual community efforts – NOT through the hard earned dollars of the taxpayers. We can’t keep creating new programs like this. We’re already at a 432 million dollar deficit, Nebraskans are being taxed out of their homes, and we don’t have anymore to give!
ALSO Email the Health and Human Services Committee: Sen. Brian Hardin, Chairperson – bhardin@leg.ne.gov Sen. John Fredrickson, Vice Chairperson – jfredrickson@leg.ne.gov Sen. Beau Ballard – bballard@leg.ne.gov Sen. Ben Hansen – bhansen@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Quick – dquick@leg.ne.gov Sen. Merv Riepe – mriepe@leg.ne.gov
OPPOSE: LB192 Introducer: Quick Description: Eliminate a sunset date under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Statement of Intent: *LB192 would eliminate the October 1, 2025 sunset on Nebraska’s current eligibility level of SNAP set at 165% of the Federal Poverty Level. Nebraska’s SNAP eligibility is set to go down to 130% of the Federal Poverty Level on October 1, 2025. Under SNAP program rules, the Federal government pays 100% of program benefit costs, and 50% of administrative costs, meaning the only cost to the state associated with LB192 is 50% of the administrative costs of the program. *
More Information: We have got to start reducing these free handouts. We are all for supporting the needy in our local communities – through actual community efforts – NOT through the hard earned dollars of the taxpayers.
ALSO Email the Health and Human Services Committee: Sen. Brian Hardin, Chairperson – bhardin@leg.ne.gov Sen. John Fredrickson, Vice Chairperson – jfredrickson@leg.ne.gov Sen. Beau Ballard – bballard@leg.ne.gov Sen. Ben Hansen – bhansen@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Quick – dquick@leg.ne.gov Sen. Merv Riepe – mriepe@leg.ne.gov
Statement of Intent:*The intent of LB 172 is to update the Child Pornography Prevention Act to include Artificial Intelligence or computer-generated content. The bill also criminalizes knowingly receiving child pornography. *
More Information: This should be an obvious bill to support, but we’re sure there will be some piss poor excuse given by democrats to oppose it. Those who do should be run out of public office, forever, and probably investigated for pedophilia.
ALSO Email the Judiciary Committee: Sen. Carolyn Bosn, Chairperson – cbosn@leg.ne.gov Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Vice Chairperson – wdeboer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Bob Hallstrom – bhallstrom@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov Sen. Terrell McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov Sen. Victor Rountree – VRountree@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tanya Storer – TStorer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jared Storm – JStorm@leg.ne.gov
SUPPORT: LB371 Introducer: DeBoer Description: Provide liability for computer-generated images under the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act
Statement of Intent:*LB371 intends to update the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act to include computer-generated or digitally manipulated images.*
ALSO Email the Judiciary Committee: Sen. Carolyn Bosn, Chairperson – cbosn@leg.ne.gov Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Vice Chairperson – wdeboer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Bob Hallstrom – bhallstrom@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov Sen. Terrell McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov Sen. Victor Rountree – VRountree@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tanya Storer – TStorer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jared Storm – JStorm@leg.ne.gov
SUPPORT: LB383 Introducer: Storer Description: Adopt the Parental Rights in Social Media Act
ALSO Email the Judiciary Committee: Sen. Carolyn Bosn, Chairperson – cbosn@leg.ne.gov Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Vice Chairperson – wdeboer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Bob Hallstrom – bhallstrom@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov Sen. Terrell McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov Sen. Victor Rountree – VRountree@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tanya Storer – TStorer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jared Storm – JStorm@leg.ne.gov
ALSO Email the Judiciary Committee: Sen. Carolyn Bosn, Chairperson – cbosn@leg.ne.gov Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Vice Chairperson – wdeboer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Bob Hallstrom – bhallstrom@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov Sen. Terrell McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov Sen. Victor Rountree – VRountree@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tanya Storer – TStorer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jared Storm – JStorm@leg.ne.gov
Revenue Room 1524 – 1:30 PM
NEUTRAL: LB509 Introducer: Sorrentino Description: Adopt the Opportunity Scholarships Act and provide for income tax credits
Statement of Intent:*LB 509 would create the Opportunity Scholarships Act. Under the Act, individual and corporate taxpayers would qualify for a non-refundable tax credit equal to the amount the taxpayer contributed to a scholarship-granting organization. No taxpayer may receive tax credits in an amount exceeding 50% of their state income tax liability. Each nonprofit, scholarship-granting organization certified by the Nebraska Department of Revenue shall provide education scholarships to assist eligible students to attend a qualified, nonprofit, private elementary or secondary school. LB 509 creates a tiered system of priority consisting of four tiers for consideration of the indisbursement of scholarships with tier 1 receiving top priority. The credits are available for tax years beginning or deemed to begin on or after January 1,2025 and are initially capped annually at $25 million dollars. Credits are awarded in the order in which they are received.*
More Information: Obviously, this is a controversial issue again this session. The media is already riling people into a frenzy, and the NSEA is all over it. This is one of those bills that isn’t, for us, a hill to die on. There’s a better way to achieve the outcome on school choice that we’re looking for, but this, for some reason, is the route our Republican Senators keep pushing. If it passes fine. If it doesn’t, we think it’s time to try something else.
ALSO Email the Revenue Committee: Sen. R. Brad von Gillern, Chairperson – bvongillern@leg.ne.gov Sen. Mike Jacobson, Vice Chairperson – mjacobson@leg.ne.gov Sen. Eliot Bostar – Ebostar@leg.ne.gov Sen. George Dungan – Gdungan@leg.ne.gov Sen. Teresa lbach – tibach@leg.ne.gov Sen. Kathleen Kauth – kkauth@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dave Murman – dmurman@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tony Sorrentino – TSorrentino@leg.ne.gov
Friday February 7, 2025
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Room 1525 – 1:30 PM
SUPPORT: LB89 *NAGO PRIORITY BILL* Introducer: Kauth Description: Adopt the Stand With Women Act
Statement of Intent: *LB 89 establishes legislative intent that males are biologically different than females, thatthose biological differences impact athletic performance, and provides guidelines for athletic competition and the use of restrooms and locker rooms in schools and state agencies.*
ALSO Email the Government Military and Veterans Affairs Committee: Sen. Rita Sanders, Chairperson – rsanders@leg.ne.gov Sen. Bob Andersen – bandersen@leg.ne.gov Sen. John Cavanaugh – jcavanaugh@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dunixi Guereca – dguereca@leg.ne.gov Sen. Megan Hunt – mhunt@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Lonowski – dlonowski@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan McKeon – dmckeon@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dave Wordekemper – dwordekemper@leg.ne.gov
Health and Human Services Room 1023 – 1:30 PM
OPPOSE: LB104 Introducer: Raybould Description: Adopt the Family Home Visitation Act
Statement of Intent:*LB 104 would create a definition in statute for what a voluntary, evidence-based home visitation program is, defining it as one with clear guidelines, national certification, and high-quality service delivery, and asks the Department of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report to the legislature on home visiting in Nebraska.*
ALSO Email the Health and Human Services Committee: Sen. Brian Hardin, Chairperson – bhardin@leg.ne.gov Sen. John Fredrickson, Vice Chairperson – jfredrickson@leg.ne.gov Sen. Beau Ballard – bballard@leg.ne.gov Sen. Ben Hansen – bhansen@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Quick – dquick@leg.ne.gov Sen. Merv Riepe – mriepe@leg.ne.gov
SUPPORT: LB203 *NAGO PRIORITY BILL* Introducer: Kauth Description: Change powers and duties of health directors in certain local public health departments
Statement of Intent:*LB 203 changes the role of public health directors with regard to directed health measures by providing guidelines and requiring a majority of elected officials on the board of health for the area affected by the directed health measure to vote on the measure.*
ALSO Email the Health and Human Services Committee: Sen. Brian Hardin, Chairperson – bhardin@leg.ne.gov Sen. John Fredrickson, Vice Chairperson – jfredrickson@leg.ne.gov Sen. Beau Ballard – bballard@leg.ne.gov Sen. Ben Hansen – bhansen@leg.ne.gov Sen. Glen Meyer – gmeyer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dan Quick – dquick@leg.ne.gov Sen. Merv Riepe – mriepe@leg.ne.gov
Judiciary Room 1507 – 1:30 PM
Document: LB368 Introducer: Hunt Description: Establish the Nebraska Youth in Care Bill of Rights
Statement of Intent:*LB 368 would create a Youth in Care Bill of Rights for foster system-involved youth. While DHHS currently informs foster youth of their basic rights per federal law and agency regulations, current and former foster youth have expressed that the information they receive from DHHS about their rights when entering State care is in adequate and poorly retained. LB 368 will help ensure that youth in the foster system are well-versed in the rights they have during their time in foster care and that they know how to advocate for themselves. The bill would require that youth age 14 and up are expressly informed of these rights at regular intervals in an age-appropriate manner by their caseworker and guardian ad litem. It also creates a process for youth to file grievances with the Department. Some such rights generally include, but are not limited to the following, unless deemed contrary to the child’s safety or well-being by a court: • to receive case-related information in their primary language, • to attend or not attend religious services that align with their beliefs, • to participate in age-appropriate extracurricular, cultural, and social activities, • to be free from unreasonable search and seizure, discrimination, and exploitation, • to be informed about and involved in their own court proceedings, • to be provided medical services or refuse to consent to services, to be medicated only as necessary, and be informed about any medications’ possible side effects, • to be placed in a home with siblings when possible, or to visit siblings and family, • if a parent themselves, to provide input about their own child’s placement and care, and • to file a grievance if they believe their rights have been violated.*
ALSO Email the Judiciary Committee: Sen. Carolyn Bosn, Chairperson – cbosn@leg.ne.gov Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Vice Chairperson – wdeboer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Bob Hallstrom – bhallstrom@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov Sen. Terrell McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov Sen. Victor Rountree – VRountree@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tanya Storer – TStorer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jared Storm – JStorm@leg.ne.gov
Document: LB369 Introducer: Hunt Description: Allow persons eighteen years of age to make health care decisions and persons under nineteen years of age in correctional facilities to consent to medical and mental health care
Statement of Intent:*LB 369 changes the legal age to make health care decisions from 19 to 18. At the request of the Department of Correctional Services, it also allows for youths under 19 who are committed to the Department to consent to mental health services, medical care and related services during the period of confinement. There is one DCS-operated facility for minors in Nebraska, the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility in Omaha. For this population,a minor in custody may need urgent medical care but various circumstances may limit theability for staff to obtain timely parental consent.Youth in custody of the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to a juvenile court order are exempted from the bill. Because Nebraska’s statutory age of majority for legal adulthood is 19, including this population would cause complications, altering the role and jurisdiction of the courts and jeopardizing these youths’ eligibility for state services. DHHShas the authority to determine appropriate medical and psychiatric services for youths in its care.*
ALSO Email the Judiciary Committee: Sen. Carolyn Bosn, Chairperson – cbosn@leg.ne.gov Sen. Wendy DeBoer, Vice Chairperson – wdeboer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Bob Hallstrom – bhallstrom@leg.ne.gov Sen. Rick Holdcroft – rholdcroft@leg.ne.gov Sen. Terrell McKinney – tmckinney@leg.ne.gov Sen. Victor Rountree – VRountree@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tanya Storer – TStorer@leg.ne.gov Sen. Jared Storm – JStorm@leg.ne.gov
Revenue Room 1510 – 1:30 PM
Document: LB389 Introducer: Murman Description: Eliminate the levy authority of educational service units and provide state funding to educational service units
Statement of Intent:*For fiscal year 2028-29 and each fiscal year thereafter, no 25 educational service unit shall have the power to levy property taxes. For 2030 and each year thereafter, the amount to be distributed4 to each educational service unit under this section shall be equal to the5 amount distributed to such educational service unit in the prior year,increased by three and one-half percent.*
ALSO Email the Revenue Committee: Sen. R. Brad von Gillern, Chairperson – bvongillern@leg.ne.gov Sen. Mike Jacobson, Vice Chairperson – mjacobson@leg.ne.gov Sen. Eliot Bostar – Ebostar@leg.ne.gov Sen. George Dungan – Gdungan@leg.ne.gov Sen. Teresa lbach – tibach@leg.ne.gov Sen. Kathleen Kauth – kkauth@leg.ne.gov Sen. Dave Murman – dmurman@leg.ne.gov Sen. Tony Sorrentino – TSorrentino@leg.ne.gov
The Kennedy Confirmation vote has not yet been scheduled but is projected to happen next Wednesday, Feb. 5th. 🇺🇸
Keep Making Calls to the US Senators listed as well as our NE US Senators!
Senator Deb Fischer Lincoln: (402) 441-4600 Omaha: (402) 391-3411 Kearney: (308) 234-2361 Scottsbluff: (308) 630-2329 Washington DC: (202) 224-6551
Senator Pete Ricketts Lincoln: (402) 476-1400 Omaha: (402)550-8040 Kearney: (308) 233-3677 Scottsbluff: (308) 632-6032 Washington DC: (202) 224-4224
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Nebraskans Against Government Overreach 