NEBRASKA CAPITOL SECURITY PROPOSAL EYEING WEAPONS BAN ADVANCES TO FULL LEGISLATURE

LINCOLN —A legislative proposal in Nebraska is moving forward that would tighten security at the State Capitol by banning most weapons and self-defense items from the building beginning in 2027. The Legislature’s Executive Board unanimously advanced Legislative Bill 1237 to the full Legislature, which would prohibit items such as firearms, pepper spray, explosives, and spray paint unless someone has prior approval. An amendment would allow people with active concealed-carry permits to bring firearms into the Capitol after passing through new metal detectors, and violating the law would be a Class III misdemeanor. The bill’s sponsors argue the changes are necessary for public safety and to align Nebraska’s Capitol with other states that use metal detectors or weapon bans.

The proposal has drawn debate over balancing security with constitutional rights. Supporters point to rising political violence nationally and the need to protect lawmakers, staff, and visitors, while critics, including gun-rights advocates, worry the restrictions could infringe on Second Amendment rights or leave ordinary visitors unable to protect themselves. Law enforcement officials are involved in shaping the measures, and if the bill becomes law, the Nebraska State Patrol would implement screening procedures by January 1, 2027.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKA TURNS OVER SENSITIVE VOTER DATA TO DOJ AS LEGAL BATTLE HEADS TO STATE SUPREME COURT

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s Secretary of State Bob Evnen has begun complying with a U.S. Department of Justice request for detailed voter registration data, providing sensitive information — including names, dates of birth and the last four digits of Social Security numbers or driver’s license numbers on over 1.25 million registered voters — to the federal government amid ongoing legal challenges. The release comes after a lower court and the Nebraska Supreme Court refused to block the transfer, despite arguments from voting advocacy group Common Cause that Nebraska law and privacy protections should prevent handing over such data. The DOJ says the data will be used to help assess compliance with federal voter-list maintenance requirements, but critics warn the sensitive information cannot be “unrung” once shared and raises broader concerns about voter privacy and federal overreach. 

Common Cause’s lawsuit, originally filed to enjoin the data transfer, was dismissed by the district court, and while the state’s high court denied an injunction, it agreed to hear the underlying appeal on March 31. That means Nebraska will provide the voter information before the appeals court weighs in on whether the release complies with state law. Secretary Evnen has insisted the DOJ will follow applicable laws in handling the data, and election officials will not automatically remove voters based on federal recommendations. But privacy advocates continue to challenge both the legal basis for the data request and the potential implications for Nebraska voters’ personal information. 

For the full article, click HERE.

FOLEY SAYS CONTRACT PROBE COULD REACH STAFF UNDER GOVERNOR’S DIRECT CONTROL

LINCOLN — Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley says his ongoing investigation into a controversial $2.5 million emergency no-bid bioeconomy contract could extend beyond the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) to include staff directly under Governor Jim Pillen’s control. Foley’s referral to the Nebraska Attorney General raises questions about how the contract was structured and awarded — including whether the Governor’s Office influenced DED’s decisions and whether proper emergency justification was documented as required under state procurement law. Pillen and his team have pushed back, defending the contract and saying they followed the law and acted quickly to secure federal funding opportunities.

Foley’s audit points to shifting explanations from the administration about why competitive bidding was bypassed, and concerns that a required legislative report was filed late and potentially back-dated, which Foley says could have legal implications. The dispute has fueled broader scrutiny over the use of emergency contracting, transparency in state government, and potential accountability reforms. The Governor continues to defend his staff’s actions and emphasizes the benefits the state received from the work done under the contract, even as the probe into top staff’s role evolves.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKANS SHARE CONCERNS ABOUT PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION OF STATE HOUSING FUNDS

LINCOLN —A public hearing on the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s (DED) proposed biennial budget raised significant concerns among lawmakers and housing advocates about Gov. Jim Pillen’s plan to consolidate multiple state housing funds. Under the proposal, the Rural Workforce and Middle Income Housing Investment Funds would be merged into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, moving more than $3 million between programs. Supporters, including DED Director Maureen Larsen, argue the consolidation simplifies administration and helps reallocate resources as pandemic-era programs wind down, but opponents warn that blending funds with different purposes could weaken targeted efforts and harm specific housing needs, such as workforce housing versus affordable housing.

Testifiers at the hearing, including community leaders and housing project advocates, stressed that the distinct goals of the current funds serve different groups and should not be merged, noting past successes of the separate programs. Other budget discussions at the hearing touched on staffing changes at DED — which has lost dozens of positions as programs conclude — and efforts to restore funding for state business development initiatives. Lawmakers continue to wrestle with budget shortfalls while weighing the impacts of these proposed changes on housing affordability and economic development across Nebraska.

For the full article, click HERE.

LEGISLATURE REPRIMANDS STATE SEN. MACHAELA CAVANAUGH FOR ‘UNBECOMING,’ ‘SELFISH’ BEHAVIOR

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature’s Executive Board unanimously issued a formal reprimand to State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha for what it described as “unbecoming” and “selfish” behavior after she removed parts of a historical display in the Nebraska State Capitol that was part of a PragerU-produced exhibit celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The letter, read into the legislative record, criticized her actions as detracting from the session’s work and reflecting poorly on the institution. Although local law enforcement said it would not pursue charges over the incident, the reprimand goes into her official record and represents the lowest level of disciplinary action short of censure or expulsion.

Cavanaugh has maintained she thought the display had not been properly approved and that senators are prohibited from placing items in hallways, and she reiterated her regret for how the situation unfolded. She also said she was surprised by the reprimand’s issuance without formal notice or a hearing. Supporters and critics in the Legislature offered differing views on whether the process was handled appropriately, with some defending the Board’s actions and others emphasizing procedural fairness.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEW PILLEN-CHAMPIONED LAW GETS TOUGH ON CHINA, MAY COST NEBRASKA COMPANIES

LINCOLN — A new Nebraska law championed by Jim Pillen aims to crack down on business ties with “foreign adversaries” like China, but it could cost major Nebraska companies valuable state tax incentives. The broadly written measure may apply to firms with subsidiaries in China, putting companies such as Valmont, Lindsay, Fiserv and Werner at risk of losing incentives tied to investment and job creation in the state.

The Nebraska Department of Revenue has notified some companies they may no longer qualify, raising concerns about retroactive impacts and Nebraska’s reliability in honoring incentive agreements. State officials have suggested lawmakers may need to clarify the law to ensure it targets companies owned by foreign governments, not Nebraska-based firms operating globally.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS LIMIT PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTORS’ AUTHORITY

LINCOLN —Nebraska lawmakers gave final approval to LB203, a bill introduced by Omaha Sen. Kathleen Kauth that limits the authority of local public health directors to impose communitywide health measures. The change primarily affects the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, which previously had broader authority than other districts. Under the bill, public health directors must receive approval from a city council or county board before implementing a directed health measure, with Kauth arguing that decisions restricting personal liberties should rest with elected officials accountable to voters.

The measure allows public health directors to make recommendations but leaves final decisions to local governing boards. An amendment permits local health boards to act quickly in emergencies, though any communitywide order must be ratified by an elected body within seven days. The bill passed 35-12 and now heads to the governor’s desk, along with three other measures that clean up outdated appropriation language, adjust health care facility permit timelines, and update notification procedures in abuse and neglect investigations.

For the full article, click HERE.

DATA CENTERS AND WINDMILLS: NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS DISCUSS CHANGES TO STATE'S ENERGY RULES

LINCOLN — A panel of Nebraska lawmakers heard three energy-related proposals as the state grapples with rising power demands driven by data centers, artificial intelligence and other large utility users. Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh’s LB1111 would require data centers to cover the full cost of their electricity use, disclose plans to neighbors and shield other ratepayers from higher costs. Lincoln Sen. Eliot Bostar’s LB1064 would give public power districts more pricing flexibility, require impact studies and allow utilities to curb usage during grid emergencies. Meanwhile, Gov. Jim Pillen has backed separate legislation aimed at reducing red tape for major power users that want to generate and sell their own energy.

A third proposal from Kearney Sen. Stan Clouse, LB1204, focused on renewable energy and drew intense opposition. The bill would adjust the nameplate capacity tax on wind and solar projects to send a much larger share of revenue to counties, which Clouse said could incentivize development if local governments opt in. Renewable energy representatives supported the measure, but many rural residents voiced strong resistance to wind turbines and solar farms, citing concerns about disruption to landscapes, wildlife and local control. The committee took no immediate action after lengthy testimony.

For the full article, click HERE.

JACOBSON OUTLINES MINIMUM WAGE CHANGES, IMPACT ON RURAL NEBRASKA BUSINESSES

LINCOLN — State Sen. Mike Jacobson of District 42 detailed ongoing legislative efforts around Nebraska’s minimum wage law, stressing concerns from local employers about the impact of automatic cost-of-living increases on small businesses. Jacobson highlighted that the Legislature passed LB 258, which freezes the current $15 per hour wage for 2026 but shifts future increases to a predictable annual 1.75 percent rise starting in 2027. He emphasized the importance of balancing fair wages with the economic realities of rural communities, where tight margins and shrinking labor pools make wage planning challenging for small employers.

Jacobson also noted the creation of a separate minimum wage for younger workers to preserve entry-level job opportunities and reiterated his commitment to policies that support both workers and local businesses across District 42. He encouraged constituents to continue sharing their views as lawmakers weigh long-term economic implications for Nebraska’s communities.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKANS DECRY CASH FUND SWEEPS IN GOV. JIM PILLEN’S STATE BUDGET PROPOSAL

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s mid-biennium budget proposal sparked strong opposition at a recent public hearing, with critics from across the state lambasting his continued use of cash fund sweeps to balance a projected deficit. At the combined hearing for Legislative Bills 1071 and 1072 — aimed at closing an estimated $471 million shortfall — virtually no one spoke in support of the measures, which would cut overall state spending, reduce agency budgets and transfer money out of funds set aside for specific purposes. Opponents argued these “sweeps” divert money from dedicated uses — from environmental projects to public services — undermining public trust and jeopardizing long-term commitments. Testifiers also raised concerns about changes to how policy priorities are included in the state budget.

Supporters of Pillen’s plan, including the governor’s budget administrator, say reviewing more than 900 cash funds and reallocating excess balances is necessary to responsibly balance the budget without raising taxes. Still, the proposal drew significant written and spoken opposition — over 600 written comments and more than two dozen speakers against it — with critics warning that sweeping funds could stall projects, weaken services, and leave fewer resources available for future needs. Major cuts, such as significant reductions to the Department of Health and Human Services budget and repurposing funds from initiatives like the Nebraska Environmental Trust, were central points of contention.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS WEIGH RISKS, BENEFITS OF CAPITOL GUN BAN

LINCOLN — A bill introduced by the Legislature’s Executive Board would ban guns and other weapons from the Nebraska Capitol, citing growing concerns about threats and political violence. Legislative Bill 1237, sponsored by Sen. Ben Hansen, would prohibit firearms and hazardous materials such as explosives and pepper spray, while still allowing law enforcement, certain off-duty officers, and those approved by the State Patrol to carry weapons. Hansen said the proposal is meant to improve safety for lawmakers, staff and visitors, with potential security measures including metal detectors and controlled entry points.

The proposal drew mixed reactions at a public hearing, with supporters calling the Capitol an appropriate place for a weapons ban and opponents warning it could make visitors feel less safe, especially when walking to and from parking areas. Critics also raised concerns about costs, as the State Patrol estimates staffing secure entry points could cost up to $1.4 million annually. Lawmakers emphasized the bill is not final and said security options would continue to be evaluated as the Legislature weighs safety, access and budget constraints.

For the full article, click HERE.

LEGISLATURE PASSES LAW CAPPING ANNUAL MINIMUM WAGE BUMPS, CREATES ‘YOUTH’ WAGE BELOW $15

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s Legislature passed Legislative Bill 258, which changes how the state minimum wage grows in future years. Instead of automatic cost-of-living increases tied to inflation, the law sets a fixed 1.75% annual increase once the wage reaches $15/hour. The measure passed 33-16 and is expected to be signed by Gov. Jim Pillen, taking effect this summer. Supporters say the fixed rate gives businesses predictability and helps protect jobs, while critics argue it undermines voter-approved increases and won’t keep pace with living costs.

The law also creates a new “youth minimum wage” for workers aged 14 and 15 starting at $13.50/hour, which will rise very slowly over decades and remain below $15 until about 2065. It increases modestly every five years, and employers can still pay workers older than that the regular minimum wage with the annual 1.75% bump. The bill also revises the “training wage” for teens, raising it from its current tied-to-federal level to $13.50 with small annual increases. Critics argue the changes send the wrong message about youth labor and wage fairness, while supporters say they’ll help create more job opportunities for young workers.

For the full article, click HERE.

PILLEN SEEKS NEW APPOINTEE AFTER MEDICAL CANNABIS COMMISSION CHAIR RESIGNS

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the statewide Medical Cannabis Commission after its chair, Dr. Monica Oldenburg, resigned. Oldenburg, an anesthesiologist from Lincoln who had been appointed to the commission in April and confirmed by the Legislature, said in her resignation letter that she could not commit the necessary time to the volunteer role due to her family and medical practice commitments. Interested applicants can apply online or by mail for the at-large seat, which carries a six-year term and is subject to legislative confirmation; interim leadership of the commission has passed to fellow at-large member Lorelle Mueting. 

Oldenburg’s departure follows broader changes on the commission, which includes two at-large members in addition to the three members of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, all of whom are gubernatorial appointees. In 2025, Gov. Pillen asked former liquor commission members to resign and appointed new members with an eye toward cannabis experience. Pillen has emphasized that the panel’s work should keep Nebraska’s program strictly medical and not slide toward recreational use as it continues to develop regulations and licensing criteria under the state’s voter-approved medical cannabis laws. 

For the full article, click HERE and HERE.

PILLEN APPOINTS FORMER HUSKERS FULLBACK, PHYSICAL THERAPIST TO NU BOARD OF REGENTS

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed Joel Makovicka, a former Husker fullback and physical therapist, to fill a vacant seat on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents representing Omaha’s District 4. Makovicka played on three national championship teams at NU and now runs a physical therapy practice in the Omaha and Lincoln areas. His appointment runs through January 2027, and he may seek election to keep the seat.

Makovicka replaces Elizabeth O’Connor, who resigned after being charged with felony DUI in connection with a 2025 crash. Voters will choose who serves the remainder of the term later this year, with a primary in May and a general election in November.

For the full article, click HERE.

SHOULD THE NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE INTERVENE IN COLLEGE PROGRAMS THAT LEAD TO LOW-EARNING JOBS?

LINCOLN — A bill before Nebraska lawmakers would limit state or local funding for college programs whose graduates are expected to earn less than workers with lower levels of education. Legislative Bill 1196, introduced by Sen. Tanya Storer, would align state policy with an upcoming federal standard aimed at reducing student debt and ensuring degrees provide a financial return. Programs would only lose funding if they fail the earnings test in two out of three years, starting next year.

Critics warned the proposal oversimplifies the value of higher education and could threaten programs that fill essential workforce needs, particularly in lower-paying fields. Lawmakers and higher education leaders said degrees in areas such as education, child care, health care and public safety may start with modest wages but provide long-term benefits to communities and the state economy. Colleges and university groups opposed the bill, arguing they already review program viability and that a single earnings test fails to capture a program’s broader impact.

For the full article, click HERE.

SCRUTINY INTENSIFIES OVER PILLEN ADMINISTRATION’S $2.5 MILLION NO-BID CONTRACT

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration is facing growing scrutiny over a $2.5 million emergency no-bid contract, after offering shifting explanations for why the deal bypassed competitive bidding. State Auditor Mike Foley says the administration failed to clearly document any true emergency and questions whether the contract — awarded to a consultant the governor recommended — should have gone through the normal procurement process. Foley’s audit also raised concerns about a required legislative report that was filed late and may have been back-dated.

The dispute escalated when Foley referred two audit findings to the Nebraska Attorney General and State Patrol, alleging potential misconduct related to both the emergency designation and communications with his office. As the controversy played out publicly during legislative hearings, Foley and the state’s Department of Administrative Services agreed to support a policy change requiring emergency no-bid contracts to be filed directly with the Auditor’s Office, an added oversight step aimed at improving transparency and preventing future misuse of the emergency exception.

For the full article, click HERE.

ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST OFFICIAL ASSURES GRANTS WILL BE AWARDED, DESPITE PAUSE

LINCOLN –The board of the Nebraska Environmental Trust met Thursday but did not lift a temporary pause on awarding about $18 million in conservation and wildlife grants, even as an official assured groups their funding will ultimately be distributed. The pause was put in place amid uncertainty surrounding Gov. Jim Pillen’s proposal to transfer $40.7 million from the Trust to help close the state’s budget gap and fund other projects, prompting concern from grantees that the Trust’s mission could be undermined. Critics, including conservation groups, fear the budget move could jeopardize the Trust’s ability to support environmental work and drain funds intended for competitive grants.

Trust leadership, including board chair Mark Quandahl, said the money for the grants “is coming” but that the pause is intended to ensure the Trust has sufficient funds before dispersing multi-year awards, and they are seeking a legal opinion on potential obligations. Some Trust board members, and advocates for a constitutional amendment to protect the Trust’s funds from future budget sweeps, expressed worry that using lottery-derived Trust dollars for state budget holes could weaken the agency’s long-term ability to support conservation projects across Nebraska.

For the full article, click HERE.

COMMITTEE ADVANCES ONE-WORD TWEAK TO NEBRASKA CONSTITUTION ON CITIZEN VOTING

LINCOLN — A Nebraska legislative committee advanced a proposed constitutional amendment that would tweak language in the state Constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote in Nebraska elections, even though citizenship is already required under current state law. Supporters of the change say the amendment simply clarifies the existing requirement and prevents confusion, while some critics argue it could feed misinformation about voting rights without changing any actual eligibility rules.

The proposal is part of broader debates this session about voting rules and ballot measures, including competing ideas on how voting should work in the state and who should be allowed to participate. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are also considering other election-related constitutional amendments and reforms that could affect Nebraska’s democratic processes in the 2026 election cycle.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKA LAWMAKER WANTS TO BAN PUBLIC UTILITIES FROM CLOSING, ALTERING POWER PLANTS

LINCOLN — A Nebraska lawmaker has introduced a bill that would bar public utilities from closing or significantly altering power plants as long as customers still rely on them, with limited exceptions for safety, legal mandates or extreme circumstances. The proposal is tied to broader concerns about maintaining reliable electricity as demand grows and follows disputes over plans to change operations at facilities like Omaha’s North Omaha Station.

Opponents argue the bill would undercut local control and restrict utilities’ ability to modernize or respond to environmental and community needs. Supporters say it would help protect grid reliability, while critics warn it could lock utilities into outdated or inefficient operations.

For the full article, click HERE.

NEBRASKA GOV. JIM PILLEN RESPONDS TO BACKLASH OVER SAYING ‘LIBTARDS’

LINCOLN — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s office has addressed his recent tele-town hall comments that triggered criticism from disability advocates and families. 

Last week, reporters tried to ask Pillen about his use of the term “libtards” three times during the tele-town hall, but a spokesperson stepped in before the governor could answer. 

Pillen, through a statement on Wednesday, said that he has always supported “Nebraska’s developmentally disabled community.” The governor’s spokesperson pointed to him clearing the “long-stalled DD waitlist, speeding service access to Nebraska families who had waited for years, and substantially increased special education funding for our schools.”

“He is a fierce advocate for the inherent dignity and value of all people,” said Laura Strimple, Pillen’s communications director. 

Strimple said the governor didn’t direct his comment to the developmentally disabled community or their families, “nor did the thought ever cross his mind.”

For the full article, Click HERE