NEBRASKA'S RESURRECTED PERMITLESS CONCEALED CARRY BILL CONTINUES SEEING DIVIDED PUBLIC OPINION

LINCOLN- In the latest attempt to allow residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit, the bill continued to see a split in opinion from Nebraskans. The hearing for LB77 had dozens of testifiers that waited in lengthy lines to share their opinion on allowing Nebraskans over age 21 to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

The hearing began at 1:30 PM and finished around 6:15 PM. There were dozens of in-person testifiers and hundreds of letters in both support and opposition. Currently in Nebraska, getting a concealed-carry permit requires passing a criminal background check, paying a $100 fee and taking an eight- to 16-hour gun safety class.

Brewer argued at the hearing that the fee prevents some Nebraskans from seeking a permit. He said that while he believes training is “essential” for gun owners, he doesn’t think it should be mandatory. He said multiple neighboring states have passed similar measures. “We’re not trying to make Nebraska a pioneer in this,” Brewer said. Similar legislation was brought last year, but failed in a filibuster by opposing senators.

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DEBATE IN NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE FORESHADOWS FIGHT OVER PROPOSED 6-WEEK ABORTION BAN

LINCOLN- A known debate that will reach the Nebraska legislature was foreshadowed this week amongst the body. Senator Hunt had filed a motion that would have recommitted the abortion bill (LB626) to the Judiciary committee rather than the Health and Human Services Committee. This prompted a 2-day heated debate that surely foreshadows what is to come.

The vote to recommit barely failed as party lines were very evident. Changing committees would have slowed down the forward progress of LB626, but it would not have stopped it in all. The bill would prohibit abortions after embryonic cardiac activity can be detected, with narrow exceptions for rape, incest and to save the life of the woman. Physicians who violate the ban would be subject to losing their professional licenses.

The HHS Committee has four Republicans to three Democrats, while the Judiciary Committee has four of each, meaning the bill probably would have stalled there. But abortion rights opponents could have used another procedural motion to pull the bill out of committee to the full Legislature. Senators argued that the injury to doctors in the bill falls under Judiciary jurisdiction.

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THINK TANK SAYS PILLEN EDUCATION, TAX INCENTIVES WOULD 'QUICKLY DRAIN' STATE COFFERS IF ENACTED

LINCOLN- Last week, newly-elected Gov. Pillen announced his plan to bolster state education and offer tax incentives and state aid to K-12 schools. However, according to the OpenSky Policy Institute, which worked alongside the Insitute on Taxation and Economic Policy to release a report on Pillen's changes, the plan the Governor laid out would "quickly" drain Nebraska's $1.9 billion state revenue surplus. 

The report went on to detail that Pillen's plan might force the state to tap into its "rainy day" cash reserves, which are usually carefully used for one-time expenditures during times of economic recession, not long-term commitments. "To ensure our state's future fiscal health, it will be important for policymakers this session to prudently use the projected $1.9 billion on proven initiatives that empower hardworking Nebraskans to support their families and their communities," said the report. 

State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, who chairs the Legislature's Revenue Committee, questioned how the initiatives could be analyzed before the Governor's budget has been introduced, which is set to happen on Wednesday. "We have over $2 billion in extra funding," said Linehan, "which clearly means that we are taxing people too much. To say that we shouldn't cut taxes shows a total disregard for the taxpayers."

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ADVOCATES SAY RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS FOR FELONS WOULD IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY

LINCOLN- Following the introduction of Senator Justin Wayne's legislative bill 20, which seeks to restore voting rights to felons after they've completed their sentences, advocates came together last Friday to in support of the change, saying that it's the first step in removing a "punitive" stigma and improving public safety. Currently, around 20,000 Nebraskans cannot vote because they are serving time in prison, are on parole for a felony crime, or have not waited the two-year period to regain their right to vote.

During a press conference sponsored by the Voting Rights Restoration Coalition, Sen. Wayne stated that "People who are engaged are less likely to reoffend." Demetrius Gatson, a representative from the ACLU, similarly defended the restoration of voting rights by saying, under the current system, "It's taxation without representation." LR4CA, introduced by Senator Machaela Cavanaugh, is similar to Sen. Wayne's bill, but would instead eliminate entirely the clause that requires convicted felons to lose their voting rights. 

Nicole Porter, senior director of advocacy for The Sentencing Project, outlined the fact that over 4.6 million felony-convicted Americans are currently not allowed to vote. The Voting Rights Restoration Coalition is made up of 28 smaller organizations, including the ACLU, Black Votes Matter, the NAACP, and Civic Nebraska. 

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BILL AIMS TO PROTECT FARMERS FROM NUISANCE LAWSUITS, RESTRICTING WHO CAN FILE AND WHEN

LINCOLN- The Nebraska "right to farm" law has a proposed revision in the Nerbaska legislature. Under LB662, introduced by State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, only landowners who live within a half-mile of agricultural operation, and only those nearby landowners who have a majority interest in their land, could file nuisance lawsuits against an ag operation.

In addition, such lawsuits would have to be filed within one year,  rather than within two years as in the current law. Lawsuits would be disallowed if an operation was utilizing “commonly accepted” practices and was in “material compliance” with applicable laws and regulations. This comes as protections for farmers are being condemned by environmentalists. 

The proposal “eviscerates having nuisance laws,” according to Jonathan Leo, an environmental lawyer who lives in Omaha. “The bill effectively shuts down almost all public and private nuisance lawsuits against ‘agricultural operations,’ ” Leo said. Ballard said the bill was inspired by concerns raised by large-scale chicken farms in his district.

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OMAHA STREETCAR DEBATE ROLLS INTO THE NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- Omaha has already given the go to the streetcar through Downtown Omaha. Senator Lou Ann Linehan has different plans with legislation ready to block it. Among streetcar-related bills introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn is a call for the city or its streetcar authority to cover costs of gas and water utility work necessary to build the city-driven rail system. 

Such language takes aim at a current conflict between officials of the city and the Metropolitan Utilities District over who should foot the bill for an estimated $20.5 million of utility line relocation and reinforcement needed. Another Linehan bill calls for a restriction in tax-increment financing, a statewide development tool she believes has become overused, in some cases abused. TIF is the key revenue source in paying off debt for Omaha’s modern-day streetcar system. 

Linehan said she appreciates what the streetcar will do for Omaha. But the streetcar venture has financial implications beyond Omaha, said Linehan, chair of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee. She thinks more airing is needed and looks forward to learning more during public hearings in the State Capitol. 

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SENATOR SAYS STUDENTS BECOME MORE 'ENGAGED' WHEN INVOLVED IN SCHOOL POLICIES, POLL WORK

LINCOLN- Senator Dungan of Lincoln claims that civic engagement amongst high school students would increase if there was a program that had them work at polling places. Under LB225 students ages 16 and older could also fulfill their civics graduation requirement by working a shift as a poll worker and then writing about it.

The senator said the bill would help address a shortage of poll workers and would foster civic engagement by students. One supporter, Heidi Uhing of Civic Nebraska, said the proposal was part of a national trend to “broaden student participation” in civic affairs. Another supporter cited a recent Tufts University report that found students are inspired to become more involved in civics activities when they see other youths in leadership roles. 

Dungan said his proposal would leave it up to local school boards on how to select students for their civics subcommittee. Currently, students can satisfy their civics requirement in one of three days: take the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Test; attend a public meeting and write about it; do a project on a person or persons commemorated in a national holiday.

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STATE SENATOR TOUTS USING MILITARY VETERANS TO HELP ADDRESS 'CRISIS' IN TEACHER SHORTAGE

LINCOLN- As many know, the teacher shortage is increasing and poses a major threat to the future of education. Senator Ben Hansen has a solution to help aid that problem with LB188. The bill places veterans with mentors who would be assigned to help them work with students. Veterans would have to pass a test on the subject they would teach before they could enter the classroom.

“This bill fits the time,” Hansen said of his proposal. “It’s not just a teacher shortage, it’s a crisis now.” Hansen’s bill ran into a wall of opposition from past and present teachers, some with military backgrounds, during a public hearing before the Legislature’s Education Committee. Many pointed out that the training of soldiers and children is not the same.

Nicole Hochstein, an Air Force veteran, a former special education teacher and now a substitute teacher, said that even after obtaining her degree in education and her experience in student teaching, she felt unprepared when she finally got into the classroom full time. “We are essentially saying anyone off the streets can teach,” Hochstein said, of LB 188.

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PILLEN LEANS INTO 'OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS' DEBATE

LINCOLN- During a Tuesday press conference, newly-elected Gov. Pillen expressed interest in adopting a school choice model for Nebraska, saying that, "We are the last of two states...that don't have school choice. It is a really critical, fundamental thing that's got to happen in Nebraska." Pillen outlined his support for Sen. Linehan's LB753, which would provide up to $25 million a year in income tax credits for "opportunity scholarships" for families that need financial help to attend private schools. 

During the conference, Pillen also stated that, as he built his budget, he made sure to leave room for the "school choice" bill. If passed LB753's dollar-for-dollar tax credit would allow donors to reduce up to half of their income tax liability each year. Linehan, who has 30 co-sponsors on the bill, said Tuesday that "there's nothing more important to a parent than to be able to do the very best for their kid."

However, a good deal of criticism has targeted Linehan's bill, and Gov. Pillen's plan to adopt it. Dunixi Guereca, executive director of Nebraska Stand for Schools, said Linehan's LB753 is more of a tax break for the wealthy than a way to help private education. Guereca went on to state that the contents of the bill are an "out-of-state idea," not tailored to Nebraska's needs. 

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NEBRASKA STATE SENATOR PROPOSES LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PET INSURANCE

LINCOLN- Two weeks ago, newly-appointed Sen. Beau Ballard introduced LB296, formally titled the 'Pet Insurance Act', which would establish a legal framework in Nebraska for the policies and consumer protections for pet insurance, a growing industry in the country. Last year, The North American Pet Health Insurance Association reported that the industry exceeded $2.83 billion in value, growing 30% from the previous year. 

The consumer protections outlined in the bill mirror those of health insurance policies, and require insurers to disclose certain services, tell insurees about any waiting periods, and how a pet's preexisting conditions may impact insurance prices. Ballard said that he adopted a cocker spaniel, Cosmo, last year, and told the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee that, if Cosmo needed care, Ballard would have to decide whether or not to pay the high costs associated with pet care. 

"Much like other things in life, veterinarian costs are skyrocketing," said Ballard, "and this type of insurance provides a little bit of ease on consumers that they can get some insurance and then pay for those unexpected occurrences."  Michelle Muirhead, assistant vice president at Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, said her company began offering pet insurance in August of 2022. Muirhead emphasized the importance of such a bill, saying that it will give pet owners the ability to pay for the medical treatment their veterinarian recommends, not just what they can afford on a given day. 

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MEASURES SEEK TO CHANGE NEBRASKA'S NEW VOTER-APPROVED MINIMUM WAGE PROVISIONS

LINCOLN- Just months after Nebraska voters approve a minimum wage hike schedule, two state senators have introduced bills to try to change the projected course. One of these bills, LB15 introduced by Sen. Tom Briese, would allow employers to pay less than the minimum wage to workers under the age of 20. Briese's bill would allow employers to pay youth workers, ages 14 to 17, $9 an hour until 2026, when it would increase to $10. 

Briese emphasized that this change was made to benefit small businesses, and said that employers would still be free to pay youths more if they choose. "As legislators, we can't allow provisions like this to force mom-and-pop stores out of business," said Sen. Briese. Another bill, LB327 introduced by Sen, Jane Raybould, would tweak the voter-approved motion to adjust the minimum wage each year after 2026 in accordance with inflation and the cost of living. 

As proposed, Raybould's bill would hold post-2026 annual minimum wage bumps to either 1.5%, or lower depending on the cost of living. A concern that prompted Raybould to introduce LB327 was that annual wage increases after 2026 were "not well defined." State Sen. Danielle Conrad stated that she will go the distance to stop both bills, claiming that they are attempts to "undercut the will of the people as expressed in the 2022 citizen initiative."

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MEASURE TO REPEAL MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAW IN NEBRASKA RETURNS TO LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN- Under current Nebraska law, and since 1989, all motorcyclists are required to wear helmets while on the road. However, under a bill proposed by State Sen. Ben Hansen, LB91, riders may be able to do away with their helmet if they are over the age of 21 and have completed a basic safety certification course. 

According to Hansen, his bill would still keep Nebraska as one of the most restrictive states in the region when it comes to helmets, but will give riders over a certain age the freedom to make a personal choice about their own safety. "I would personally wear a helmet and would encourage everyone else to wear one," Hasen told the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, "But this is a risk they are free to take."

Backers of the proposed bill believe that current statute denies them a freedom granted by other states around the country, and argued that some motorcyclists avoid traveling through Nebraska so as to not be burdened by the law. Former State Sen. Dave Bloomfield, who fought for similar measures in past years, argued that Nebraska is losing out on thousands of riders who might stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, and spend their money in the state. 

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NEBRASKA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TICKS UPWARDS AS NATIONAL RATE DROPS SLIGHTLY

LINCOLN- According to a report released by the Nebraska Department of Labor, private industry jobs, like construction and hospitality, have seen the greatest job growth when compared to other fields. Labor Commissioner John Albin said Tuesday that Nebraska has seen "the largest December to December growth since 1984" over the past year. Nebraska's unemployment rate for December 2022 was 2.6%, up slightly from 2.5% the month before and 2.3% last December. 

While Nebraska's unemployment rate saw a slight increase, the national gross rate has fallen every so slightly from 3.6% to 3.5%. One year ago, the national average sat at 3.9%. The report released Tuesday indicated that around 1.03 million Nebraskans are employed, and private industries saw the most growth, with fields like economics, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities seeing the biggest uptick.

When comparing certain fields this past December, construction and mining saw about 6,500 jobs be added, hospitality and leisure saw around 5,000, and trades saw a 4,000 job boost since last December. The data collected by the Labor Department come from surveys conducted by the Census Bureau. 

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BILL LOOKS TO EXTEND NEBRASKA'S STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS AFTER TOXIC CHEMICAL EXPOSURES

LINCOLN- At the beginning of the Nebraska Legislature's 108th session, Sen. Carol Blood introduced LB7, a bill that would extend Nebraska's statute of limitations for hazardous or toxic chemical exposure. Sen. Blood introduced this bill following a pipe break at the AltEn ethanol plant in Saunder County, which contaminated the waterways and surrounding area. 

"This is the key to the courthouse for people," said attorney Vince Powers, who testified at a Judiciary Committee hearing for the bill this week. Blood introduced a similar piece of legislation last year, but it "failed to do what was needed," according to the senator. "The Legislature needs to take a hold of its responsibility, and protect Nebraskans from parties that knowingly or accidentally, expose their constituents to hazardous chemicals," said Blood in defense of her bill.

Eleanor Rogan, a UNL professor, said Blood's bill is a reasonable extension of the chemical exposure statute of limitations. Rogan spent years studying the time between exposure to chemicals and when the first symptoms occur, and claimed this latency period can last up to 35 years. Trevor Towey, president of the Omaha Professional Firefighters, echoed a similar sentiment, saying that bill would benefit local firefighters. 

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PETE RICKETTS HAS BEEN SWORN IN AS NEBRASKA'S NEWEST SENATOR

WASHINGTON D.C.- Former Gov. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb. was sworn in as a member of the U.S. Senate Monday, officially taking the seat formerly held by former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse. Ricketts' family, including his wife, Susanne Shore, watched from the Senate gallery as he was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris. 

“There is no higher honor than serving the people of Nebraska, and representing my fellow Nebraskans in the Senate is an incredible privilege,” Ricketts said in a statement released by his office. As is tradition, he was accompanied by Republican Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska as he walked down the main aisle and stood at the Senate dais to take the oath of office.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, praised Ricketts' service in Nebraska and said the wealthy investor has "applied private sector savvy to the work of public administration with great effect. The people of Nebraska chose wisely in electing and re-electing Gov. Ricketts by huge margins, and their new governor chose wisely in sending his predecessor here to this chamber." 

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NEBRASKA EXPERIENCES FIRST WINTER COVID LULL AS CASES HIT LOWEST POINT SINCE APRIL

LINCOLN- An official nine-month low in covid cases has occurred in Nebraska for the first time in winter, a season were the virus is expected to spread. Nebraska reported 924 cases for the week ending Wednesday, down 38% from 1,486 the previous week. It was the first time new cases in Nebraska had dropped below 1,000 since the first week of May, and it’s the lowest case level since late April. 

All other indicators, including hospitalizations, also point to falling virus levels. Nebraska cases have been below 2,000 for four straight weeks after hitting a recent peak of 3,900 just before Christmas. The state has seen similar drops in the past, but never in the winter months.

To be sure, case counts no longer are considered as accurate a measure of virus activity as they once were. Many people no longer are testing or are using at-home tests that aren’t reported to health departments. Hospitalizations for COVID also decreased last week, by 18% in the U.S. and by 17% in Nebraska. 

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SOME LAWMAKERS PRAISE, HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS CRITICIZE PILLEN'S STATE OF THE STATE

LINCOLN- Gov. Pillen gave his first State of the State address before the legislature this week. As Pillen outlined his priorities, it was received with both glee and caution by lawmakers, nonprofits, and organizations. 

Senator Clements, who has just taken over leadership of the powerful Appropriations Committee, and with an excess in state revenue, said he’s a little overwhelmed as he’s “wading into deep water” with his new role, but he said he is taking it one day at a time to support Pillen. State Sens. Tom Briese of Albion, Executive Board chair, and Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn also praised Pillen for a budget they said was tight enough on spending to offer historic tax relief.

State Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue, who challenged Pillen for the governor’s seat, said his speech fell flat, giving her “grave concerns” the new governor doesn’t understand how government works. Senator Raybould said her main concern is whether future lawmakers will “have the stomach” to maintain the level of funding needed to continue Pillen’s requests year after year. 

Nebraska health care and human services providers joined in a statement against Pillen’s budget proposal saying it “ignores the crisis” their field is facing that “we haven’t seen in generations.” The joint statement was issued by 10 health organizations, including the Children and Families Coalition of Nebraska, Nebraska Hospital Association, Nebraska Rural Health Association and Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations. 

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RETIRED LT. COL. JOHN GLEN WEAVER ANNOUNCES BID FOR U.S. SENATE

LINCOLN- This week, Lt. Col. John Glen Weaver announced that he will make a bid to represent Nebraska in the United States Senate. Weaver is a decorated veteran who has served 22 years in the United States Air Force, serving numerous tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Weaver was one of nine candidates selected for an interview with Gov. Jim Pillen regarding the Senate seat vacated by Ben Sasse, who resigned to become the next president of the University of Florida. The appointment ultimately went to outgoing governor Pete Ricketts. Weaver had also ran in the 1st District special election that Rep. Mike Flood ultimately won.

“Nebraska and our nation face many challenges -- inflation, immigration, and incarceration are recklessly out of control,” Weaver said in a statement. “Today’s problems must be solved by a conservative combat leader and courageous leader like myself who is willing to put service to America and its people above all. Nebraska needs a Senator that represents the people.” 

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COVID CASES, HOSPITALIZATIONS REMAIN LOW IN NEBRASKA, BUT BOOSTERS URGED

LINCOLN- As in past weeks, the number of Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations has remained low and declined slightly nationwide, but health officials all over the country are still urging citizens to get booster shots. During the week of January 11th, Nebraska saw around 1,486 reported cases of the virus, fairly close to the 1,420 cases reported a week before. This is down significantly from the peak of cases seen in early December, when around 3,600 cases were reported.

A new subvariant of the coronavirus, called XBB.1.5, has become dominant on the East Coast, but has only slightly affected Nebraska. Last week, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, only around 9% of positive samples were caused by the XBB.1.5 variant. However, nationwide, XBB.1.5 made up around 43% of positive cases, and 80% of cases in the Northeast.

Amid concerns about what health issues the new variant may cause, health officials from around the country have urged people to get up to date on vaccinations and boosters. A recent study from the CDC, which was published in December, suggested that people over 65 who have updated boosters are 85% less likely to be hospitalized by the new variant.

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SURVEY GIVES PUBLIC SOME INPUT ON SELECTING NEBRASKA'S NEXT EDUCATION COMMISSIONER

LINCOLN- A new survey released by the Nebraska Board of Education will allow citizens of the state to give input for the selection of Nebraska's new Education Commissioner, but doesn't drill into the contentious issues that have rocked public education over the past few years. However, the survey does give participants the ability to list what they believe to be the greatest challenges the new commissioner will have to face. 

In addition to this, respondents can state whether they agree or disagree with a large list of characteristics members of the State Board of Education identified as important in the next commissioner. The list includes such attributes as "ability to make difficult decisions," "prioritizes academic achievement", and "energetic and hard worker." Survey results, according to the Nebraska Department of Education, will be used to help guide the selection of finalists for the position.

The survey was created after Matt Blomstedt, the former Education Commissioner, resigned on January 3rd. In the meantime, the Board of Education selected Deputy Commissioner Deborah Frison to fulfill the duties of commissioner until the next commissioner is hired. The survey will be closed on January 31st.

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