SIGNATURES TURNED IN FOR MEASURES TO RESTRICT NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS' ABILITY TO CHANGE VOTER-PASSED LAWS

SIGNATURES TURNED IN FOR MEASURES TO RESTRICT NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS' ABILITY TO CHANGE VOTER-PASSED LAWS

LINCOLN— A coalition called Respect Nebraska Voters submitted more than 186,500 signatures to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would make it significantly harder for the Nebraska Legislature to change voter-approved laws. The proposal would raise the threshold for amending or repealing citizen-approved statutes from 33 to 40 of the Legislature's 49 senators and would also prohibit lawmakers from passing laws that restrict or burden the ballot initiative process. Supporters say the measure is a response to legislative changes made to voter-approved policies on paid sick leave and the minimum wage, arguing it will better protect the will of Nebraska voters. 

Backers, including Jo Giles and the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, say the amendment ensures that lawmakers respect decisions made at the ballot box and prevents future legislative interference with initiatives such as medical cannabis, casino gambling, and labor protections. However, some lawmakers, including State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, argue the proposal goes too far, warning that requiring 40 votes could make necessary changes to voter-approved laws nearly impossible, even in unforeseen circumstances. The campaign now awaits signature verification to determine whether the measure will appear on the November ballot.

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