UNICAMERAL UPDATE

News published daily at Update.Legislature.ne.gov Vol. 42, Issue 12 / Mar. 25 - 28, 2019 Best practices for school resource TIF repayment extension officers advanced stalls on first round awmakers gave first-round approval March 25 to a bill L that would establish statewide standards for school resource officers. LB390, as originally introduced by Lincoln Sen. , would have re- quired the Ne- braska Com- mission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice to de- velop a model Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks policy for school districts that employ school resource officers. The bill does not require the hiring of a school resource officer, Pansing Sen. Justin Wayne said his proposal could provide the necessary incentive for developers to Brooks said, it simply ensures that if a consider hard-hit areas of Omaha and other cities. district decides to hire one, it employs fter two days of debate, a designated substandard and blighted, certain best practices. proposal that could extend a challenge that becomes even more “LB390 will make sure we aren’t A the maximum length of time difficult in areas that are extremely using law enforcement’s time on disci- to repay tax-increment financing in- blighted—those with high poverty plinary matters, but rather to enhance debtedness in certain cases stalled on levels and high unemployment rates. safety, respond to law violations and general file March 26. State law defines an extremely serve as a community resource for LR14CA, introduced by Sen. Jus- blighted area as a census tract with an students, parents and school staff,” tin Wayne of Omaha, would place a average unemployment rate that is at she said. proposed constitutional amendment least 200 percent of the average state A Judiciary Committee amend- on the November 2020 general elec- unemployment rate and an average ment, adopted 34-0, replaced the bill. tion ballot. The amendment would poverty rate of more than 20 percent As amended, LB390 instead would authorize the Legislature to extend according to the most recent federal require the state Department of the maximum repayment period for decennial census. Education to develop a model memo- TIF indebtedness from 15 to 20 years “The underlying goal of LR14CA randum of understanding that would if more than half of the property in is to spur the use of TIF in those areas govern the use of school resource a project area was designated as ex- that need it the most,” Wayne said. officers or security guards, beginning tremely blighted. Only and Montana cur- Jan. 1, 2021. Wayne said that many Nebraska rently have a 15-year maximum length The MOU would include training cities struggle to attract developers of time for TIF bonds to be repaid, requirements for all school resource to revitalize neighborhoods that are he said, however Montana allows for

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INSIDE: Meet Sen. Ben Hansen • Student mental health bill considered • Provider rate increase proposed March 25 - 28, 2019 TIF repayment extension stalls on first round (continued from front page) projects to be extended up to 25 years, “A cornfield west of town that has lawmakers in the future could expand making Nebraska’s repayment period been farmed for the last 100 years all of the definition of extremely blighted in the most restrictive in the country. a sudden becomes blighted,” Erdman state law if that definition is not made North Platte Sen. said. “No clue how that happens— explicit in LR14CA. opposed the measure, saying mu- except the city council wanted that “I believe perhaps we should fur- nicipalities will find a way around annexed into town and now they’ve ther define extremely blighted in the any constraints that the Legislature designated it blighted.” constitutional provision,” Briese said. attempts to place on TIF projects. Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg Wayne said he understood the He acknowledged that high-poverty supported LR14CA, saying TIF does concern, but said the constitution is areas of Omaha have been ignored by not deny property tax income to po- a place for broad concepts and ideas, developers, but said expanding TIF litical subdivisions. Cities and schools not strict definitions. For example, he provisions is not the way to solve the still receive property tax revenue on said, the current definition of extreme- problem. the base value of a project, he said, ly blighted in state law uses census Groene offered an amendment while the projected increase in prop- tract data, which may not be available to stipulate that 100 percent of the erty tax value is used to pay down the in the same form in the future. property in a project area must be project bond. Adjusting public policy is easier to designated as extremely blighted to “[TIF] never does—never has—taken do in state law than by amending the qualify for the extended repayment property off the tax rolls,” Williams constitution, Wayne said. period. said. “We have these areas that need The Legislature moved on to the “Quite frankly, I don’t trust the encouragement. We have housing next item on the agenda before voting economic gurus,” he said. “You are shortages, we have workforce develop- on LR14CA or the pending amend- taking property off the tax rolls for ment issues. All of those can be partly ment. Per a practice implemented by 15 years now.” addressed by how we develop blighted Speaker , the sponsor of a Bayard Sen. agreed, areas in our communities.” bill that is facing a potential filibuster saying TIF is not being used for Albion Sen. said he must demonstrate sufficient support redevelopment as it originally was believed that the measure could be a for a cloture motion before the mea- intended. Instead, he said, it is a “tax benefit to areas in need of redevelop- sure will be scheduled for additional giveaway” that benefits developers. ment. He cautioned, however, that debate. g

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PAGE 2 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 25 - 28, 2019 Best practices for school resource officers advanced (continued from front page) officers or security guards employed by a district as well as at least one admin- istrator. The training would include at least 20 hours focused on school-based law enforcement, student rights, under- standing students with special needs and disabilities, conflict de-escalation techniques, ethics for school resource officers, teenage brain development, Unicameral Youth Legislature adolescent behavior, implicit bias training, diversity and cultural aware- registration open ness, trauma-informed responses and igh school students with an based on legislation considered during violence prevention in school settings. Hinterest in law, government, the current legislative session. The school district would be re- leadership or public speaking are Registrants are encouraged to ap- quired to maintain records of each encouraged to register for the 2019 ply for a Speaker Greg Adams Civic student referral for prosecution by a Unicameral Youth Legislature, which Scholarship award, which covers the school resource officer, including the will convene June 9-12. full cost of admission. Applicants reason for each referral and federally The Unicameral Youth Legislature must submit a short essay. Other $100 identified demographic characteristics is a four-day legislative simulation con- scholarships are also available. of each student. ducted at the State Capitol Building The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s A district also would be required and coordinated by the Clerk’s Office Extension 4-H Youth Development Of- to identify when a parent or guard- of the Nebraska Legislature. Student fice coordinates housing and recreational ian would be notified if a student is senators will sponsor bills, conduct activities for the camp as part of their questioned or interrogated, and under committee hearings, debate legisla- Big Red Summer Camps program. what circumstances a student would tion and discover the unique process Registration forms can be obtained be advised of their constitutional of the nation’s only unicameral. from the Legislature’s Unicameral rights. Each MOU would include a Students will learn about the inner Youth Legislature page: www.Nebras- complaint process for students and workings of the Legislature directly kaLegislature.gov/uyl. parents to express concern about a from senators and staff. Bills will be The registration deadline is May 15. school resource officer or his or her practices. Under the amended bill, school Committee districts would have the option to de- velop individual MOUs, but they must Hearing be substantially similar to the one distributed by the department. Any district required to adopt an MOU, Wednesday, April 3 also would be required to provide a Revenue copy to the department or publicly Room 1510 - 12:30 PM LB288 (rehearing) AM 974 post it to the school district’s website. The bill advanced to select file on a 38-0 vote. g

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 3 March 25 - 28, 2019 Meet the Senator New senator is ready for work en. Ben Hansen doesn’t like to sit still. minutes to get from Point A to Point B, I don’t like it.” The new senator from Blair owns two chiropractic Hansen, who served the past four years on the Blair Sclinics, an equipment rental business and a company City Council, didn’t consider becoming a candidate for that turns reclaimed wood into furniture. the District 16 seat until outgoing Sen. en- “And I’ve got a two-year-old, that’s the biggest [job]!” couraged him to run. Hansen said of his daughter, Olivia. “We’ve known each other for years,” Hansen said. “She Hansen has a long history of staying busy. He was born thought I’d make a good candidate.” in Schuyler, where he qualified for the 1998 boys’ track and Life, though, hasn’t stopped since he was sworn in. He field state meet in the 110-meter hurdles. After earning a still sees patients at his practices in Blair and Omaha on psychology degree from Wayne State, Hansen graduated Saturdays and days off from the Legislature. summa cum laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic “I’ve got patients scheduled for the next six months,” in Davenport, Iowa in 2007. Shortly after, he and his wife, Hansen said. “I’ve still got to pay the bills.” Jill, settled in Blair. He pays some of those bills through Heritage Barnwood “We loved the people, we loved the atmosphere and we Company, which he started in 2017 with two partners. The always wanted to move back to Nebraska,” Hansen said. group takes salvaged wood, often from razed barns around “And it’s just the right size. If it takes me longer than five Nebraska, and turns it into tables, chairs and other pieces. The company recently sold a bench made from milled wood taken from a building on the cam- pus of the former Dana College. Each item includes a plaque detailing the wood’s origins. “Every piece of furni- ture we sell has a story to tell,” Hansen said. And if all of that wasn’t enough to oc- cupy his time, Hansen recently bought a 1957 Chevrolet in need of res- toration. It’s something he’s never done before. “I thought the best way to learn was to get my hands dirty,” he said. “One of these years I might be able to drive it to Lincoln. It might be a few sessions; maybe after Sen. Ben Hansen relaxes with his wife, Jill, and daughter, Olivia. reelection.” g

PAGE 4 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 25 - 28, 2019

was Annette Dubas, executive direc- LB403, introduced by Gering tor of the Nebraska Association of Sen. , Behavioral Health Organizations. would prohibit the Historically, she said, private health in- state Department Behavioral health provider surance has provided little coverage for of Health and Hu- rate increase proposed behavior health services. For example, man Services from 69 percent of substance abuse treat- including applica- The Appropriations Committee ment in Nebraska is covered by public tion of the infla- heard testimony March 26 on a pro- payers such as Medicaid, she said. tion factor when Sen. John Stinner posal that would increase behavioral At the rate that providers currently calculating Medicaid nursing facility health provider rates. are reimbursed, Dubas said, they rates beginning in fiscal year 2019-20. LB327, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. cannot afford to continue providing “This would, in effect, require , would increase mental health services to Medicaid recipients who DHHS to use the amounts appropri- and substance urgently need care. ated by the Legislature for computing abuse treatment “It is critical that you understand future nursing facility rates,” Stinner service rates for just how important this bill is to the said, adding that approximately $30 providers serving future of behavioral health providers million over the last five years has been Medicaid patients and the individuals and families they allocated for Medicaid reimbursement and individuals in serve,” she said. but not paid out under the current the probation sys- Stephanie Knight, behavioral methodology. tems by 5 percent Sen. Kate Bolz health administrator at Fillmore Stinner said 16 nursing facilities in each of the next two fiscal years. County Hospital in Geneva, also sup- closed in Nebraska between 2015 and Bolz said cost-model data collected ported the bill. Testifying on behalf of 2018, and 22 have been placed under by the state Department of Health and the Nebraska Hospital Association, state receivership—the majority of Human Services shows that rates paid she said many rural hospitals are them located in rural areas. to the state’s behavioral health provid- straining to provide front-line behav- “It’s not a sustainable business ers is, on average, 18 percent below the ioral health services through their model when a nursing facility is paid actual cost of providing services. emergency rooms. less than its costs to provide care,” “This is particularly important be- Knight said many behavioral health Stinner said. cause one in five Nebraskans will suf- crises could be prevented through Heath Boddy, president and CEO fer from a mental illness or addiction early intervention, but rural provid- of the Nebraska Health Care Associa- in any given year and one in five high ers cannot attract and retain enough tion, testified in support of the bill. He school students reported that they qualified professionals to address the said the inflation factor assumes that [have] seriously considered attempting need due to low reimbursement rates. facility utilization will stay the same suicide,” Bolz said. “If mental health and substance over a two-year period, but utilization Cathy Phillips, a psychiatric nurse abuse treatment are provided early, has been declining consistently in practitioner, testified in support of long-term savings can be significant,” rural areas. the bill. The upcoming expansion she said. “Without any change to this rate of Medicaid in Nebraska, along with No one testified in opposition to calculation formula, Medicaid’s infla- this spring’s devastating flooding, will LB327 and the committee took no tion factor will continue to increase strain the state’s already struggling immediate action on the bill. and put nursing facility sustainability behavioral health provider network, in further jeopardy,” Boddy said. she said. Bill would change Medicaid rate Kari Wockenfuss, administrator “The recent flooding in Nebraska calculation for nursing facilities of the Louisville Care Center, also will likely produce mental health is- testified in favor of LB403. She said sues, such as depression, anxiety, trau- The Appropriations Committee that 76 percent of residents at the matic stress and potential increases in heard testimony March 25 on a bill facility are Medicaid recipients, and substance abuse,” Phillips said. that seeks to help struggling nursing the reimbursement rate for their care Also speaking in favor of the bill facilities in Nebraska. continues to decrease. The result,

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 5 March 25 - 28, 2019 she said, is that the facility has lost tion. It would not change a bank • a third party for the purpose of $169,000 since Oct. 1. customer’s ATM fees. identifying the number and na- “It’s a challenge to make ends meet “LB603 would modernized Ne- ture of any injuries to employees when you’re serving such a high popu- braska statutes without putting our of a specific company, as long lation of residents that are receiving residents at any disadvantage,” Lind- as identifying information is Medicaid,” Wockenfuss said. strom said. redacted by the court; and Jeremy Brunssen, deputy director Senators advanced the bill on a • a nonprofit organization for the of finance and program integrity at 38-0 vote. purpose of sending condolences DHHS, opposed the bill. He said the to, providing memorials for and department is working on a new rate offering grief counseling in the methodology that would improve the event of an employee’s death. funding situation. The court would disclose the report Brunssen said the new methodol- if it is requested for use in a state or ogy would set a base for all providers Workers’ compensation privacy federal investigation. in the state rather than the current bill considered Kathy Siefken, representing the Ne- system in which some providers are braska Grocery Industry Association, being paid more than $80 more per Members of the Business and Labor spoke in support of the bill. Everyone day than others. The new methodol- Committee heard testimony March wins when legislation like LB19 is ogy also would incentivize facilities 25 on a bill that would keep certain passed, she said, because it allows the to increase the number of Medicaid workers’ compensation reports private. system to work as it was intended. residents they serve and improve their LB19, introduced by Albion Sen. “Withholding first-injury reports overall quality of care, he said. Tom Briese, would from the general public with appro- The committee took no immediate withhold from the priate exceptions gives employers a action on LB403. public record all chance to work with employees to first reports of in- establish a plan that provides appropri- jury to the Work- ate care and a plan to help them get ers’ Compensation back to work as quickly as possible,” Court. Briese said Siefken said. the reports typi- Sen. Tom Briese Opposing the bill was Dennis cally contain the name of the injured, Crawford, representing the Nebraska ATM fee change clears first the name of the employer and the Association of Trial Attorneys. He said round nature of the injury. the bill would infringe on the First “These are the kinds of things that Amendment rights of small businesses Lawmakers advanced a bill to se- in any other situation would be cov- that use direct-mail advertising to offer lect file March 25 that would change ered by HIPPA and myriad other state legal services to injury victims. certain ATM fees. and federal programs to protect a per- “Many small businesses utilize LB603, introduced by Omaha Sen. son’s medical history,” he said. “But public records to send out advertising , in [workers’ compensation cases], they letters,” he said. “There’s no reason would remove a become essentially a public record.” to discriminate against small busi- requirement that The bill would provide exceptions ness owners who happen to represent a financial institu- to the nondisclosure of injury reports people injured on the job.” tion must charge to certain individuals, including: Susan Martin of Lincoln also op- the same auto- • the employee or his or her at- posed the bill. Not all employers look matic teller fees to torney; out for the best interest of their injured all other financial Sen. Brett Lindstrom • the employer, workers’ com- employees, she said, making legal ad- institutions. pensation insurer, risk man- vice necessary to navigate the complex The bill would affect default inter- agement pool or third-party workers’ compensation system. change fees that are charged between administrator who is party to “Workers’ compensation is ex- institutions during an ATM transac- the complaint; tremely complicated to comprehend

PAGE 6 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 25 - 28, 2019 and the typical average worker cannot Walz said some of the changes Student mental health services, begin to understand their rights and would provide additional state fund- education proposed instead they get lulled into thinking ing through the state aid formula their employer will lead them through to districts that already receive state The Education Committee heard the oftentimes nightmarish situation,” equalization aid. The allowance would testimony March 25 on two bills Martin said. benefit districts that normally do not meant to improve mental health re- The committee took no immediate receive equalization aid, she said. sources and education for Nebraska action on LB19. The state Department of Educa- students. tion estimates that the proposal would LB725, introduced by Fremont result in a $10.4 million state aid in- Sen. , would create a fund crease beginning in fiscal year 2020-21. that the state Department of Educa- Maddie Fennell, executive director tion would use to reimburse qualifying of the Nebraska State Education As- school districts and educational ser- sociation, testified in support of the vice units for up to 80 percent of their State aid increase proposed bill on behalf of the NSEA, groups allowable mental health expenditures. for early childhood education representing school administrators, To qualify for reimbursement, a dis- The Education Committee heard school boards and school districts and trict or ESU would designate a mental testimony March 26 on a bill meant the ESU coordinating council. She health resource liaison who would to increase the number and quality of said increasing the reimbursement help students, families, teachers and preschool programs across the state. rate for early childhood education schools find mental health resources Fremont Sen. Lynne Walz, sponsor membership would incentivize school for students in the district or ESU. of LB358, said ear- districts to provide early childhood Allowable expenditures would ly childhood educa- education programs. include expenses related to meeting tion promotes so- “Just because they are little doesn’t or reducing students’ mental health cial and emotional mean they are any less expensive to ed- needs and the training or work of the development and ucate,” Fennell said. “Early childhood liaison. builds language, students deserve to be supported and The bill stipulates that the Legis- motor and cogni- weighted for state aid just as much as lature would transfer $12 million to tive skills. Increas- Sen. Lynne Walz their older, full-time fellow students.” the fund annually beginning in fiscal ing state funding for those programs Ann Hunter-Pirtle, executive direc- year 2020-21. would encourage more schools to offer tor of Stand for Schools, also testified Walz acknowledged that LB725 them, she said. in support, saying the proposed al- is unlikely to pass this session due to The bill would change how qualified lowance would help non-equalized state budget constraints, but she said early childhood education membership districts expand their early childhood the proposal would help school dis- is calculated for state aid purposes. education offerings. tricts that already are providing these Early childhood membership currently She said early childhood education services, reducing their reliance on is calculated based on 60 percent of the can help reduce the opportunity gap property taxes. It also would encour- number of students who are enrolled in for young children in poverty and, age rural schools to expand the mental an approved early childhood education when followed by strong K-12 edu- health services they offer, she said. grant program and who will be eligible cation, may help increase earnings, Maddie Fennell, executive direc- to attend kindergarten the following improve health and reduce crime over tor of the Nebraska State Education school year. LB358 would increase that the long term. Association, testified in support of to 80 percent. “We need to do more to improve the bill. She said surveys of Nebraska The proposal also would create an Nebraskans’ access to high-quality pre- teachers and administrators have iden- early childhood education allowance school and early childhood education tified mental and behavioral health in the state aid formula and increase programs,” Hunter-Pirtle said. challenges as the top unmet need in state funding for transportation No one testified in opposition to schools. expenses related to early childhood the bill and the committee took no “The fact that schools have become education. immediate action on it. essentially the de facto mental health

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 7 March 25 - 28, 2019 system for students is a daunting duty logical, psychological and sociological “Having educational programs in for educators, administrators and aspects of drug use, misuse and abuse our schools that speak to all of these district leaders,” Fennell said. “LB725 and to place a special emphasis on issues and more is critical to the can shoulder some of that burden by tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, halluci- overall health of our young people,” providing needed resources.” nogenics, amphetamines, barbiturates Dubas said. Kraig Lofquist, administrator of and narcotics. No one testified in opposition to ESU 9, testified in support of the LB488 would repeal that require- either bill and the committee took no bill on behalf of groups representing ment and instead would require immediate action on them. school administrators, school boards, schools to incorporate age-appropriate teachers and school districts and the mental health education and compre- ESU coordinating council. He said hensive drug awareness and preven- ESU 9 hired a full-time licensed men- tion education into their programs. tal health practitioner last year and The latter would include strate- will hire another next year to meet its gies to prevent illegal use of alcohol, Additional budget reports school districts’ demand for mental tobacco and other drugs and strategies clear first round health services. to eliminate the incidence and preva- “Schools and ESUs need consistent lence of student alcohol, tobacco and Lawmakers gave first-round ap- resources to address these needs,” drug use. It also would include at least proval March 25 to a bill that would Lofquist said. “I can honestly say this one hour of instruction for students require the Legislature to analyze long- problem is not going away.” on the dangers of opioid use and the term fiscal sustainability by adding a Laura Barrett, special services di- addictive characteristics of opioids. new step to the budget process. rector for ESU 13, also testified in Howard said the updated require- LB713, sponsored by Omaha support. She said nearly 20 percent of ments would ensure that students can Sen. , youth have struggled with a debilitating identify addiction and mental illness, would require the mental health disorder. Less than half which the programs currently are not legislative fiscal receive treatment, Barrett said, and required to cover. analyst to create approximately three-quarters of those “There is so much shame that ac- additional revenue students do so either through their companies mental health issues in our and budget reports school or a school district referral. country that maybe the best way to throughout the bi- She said the proposed reimburse- address that type of shame and stigma ennium. Sen. Tony Vargas ment would allow school districts to is to make sure that kids know exactly The reports would include a reve- continue to fund current treatments, what it is and know that there’s no nue volatility report in even-numbered pay for services that currently are not shame in getting help,” she said. years, a budget stress test in odd-num- covered by other funding sources and Annette Dubas, executive director bered years and a long-term budget for offset training costs for school liaisons, of the Nebraska Association of Behav- major programs every four years. which would promote the develop- ioral Health Organizations, testified Vargas, who is chairperson of the ment and potential expansion of the in support of LB488. She said the Legislature’s Planning Committee, state’s therapeutic workforce. proposed changes reflect a modern said the bill is the result of that com- LB488, intro- understanding of how mental health mittee’s work. Research shows that duced by Omaha and physical health work together. states that engage in long-term budget Sen. , Although the opioid crisis has not planning are better able to address would change re- hit Nebraska as hard as some other economic volatility, he said. quirements related states, Dubas said, it is not immune “Now that we have the informa- to school districts’ to the impact of opioid addiction. The tion and data, the next step for us is comprehensive state also leads the nation in binge to implement some of that planning,” health education Sen. Sara Howard drinking among 18 to 24 year olds, Vargas said. “In order to meet the programs. she said, and suicide is the second needs of future Nebraskans, we have Current law requires schools to leading cause of death for Nebraskans to start [preparing] now.” include instruction about the physio- ages 15 to 24. Lincoln Sen. sup-

PAGE 8 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 25 - 28, 2019 ported the bill, saying it would provide “LB723 makes a clear statement important tools for lawmakers going that craft beer is welcome in our state,” forward. Clements said. “Particularly in light of term limits Chris Wagner, director of Project and the turnover that we’ve had in this Extra Mile, testified against LB723. Wagner said the bill would cost the body, I think it’s important for us to be Timeline for abuse complaint state revenue and lead to more alcohol thinking about ways that we can take reviews advanced the long-term [view] and structurally consumption. set up the [Legislature] for success,” “Cheaper alcohol leads to exces- Lawmakers advanced a bill from Hilgers said. sive rates of drinking,” Wagner said. general file March 25 that would re- Senators voted 38-0 to advance “Higher alcohol taxes save lives.” quire a timely response to complaints LB713 to select file. Vargas also introduced LB682, at licensed children’s residential facili- which would tax alcoholic spirits as ties in Nebraska. proof gallons—liquor that is at least LB59, as introduced by Sen. Mach- 50 percent alcohol. The bill would aela Cavanaugh of Omaha, would not affect the tax rate for beer and mandate that wine. LB682 also would require the the state Depart- Nebraska Liquor Control Commis- ment of Health Bills would change alcohol sion to create a labelling system for and Human taxation alcoholic spirits sold in the state. Services respond Vargas said all alcohol currently is within five days The General Affairs Committee taxed by the wine gallon, regardless heard testimony March 25 on two to all complaints of the product’s alcohol content, of child abuse Sen. bills that would change how alcohol placing an unfair burden on certain is taxed in Nebraska. or neglect made at a facility licensed manufacturers. under the Children’s Residential Fa- LB723, introduced by Omaha Sen. “This is a much fairer system for Tony Vargas, would lower an alcohol cilities and Placing Licensure Act. If a allowing breweries into the market- complaint leads to an investigation, the manufacturer’s or wholesaler’s per- place with mixed-beverage products,” gallon excise taxes as follows: department would be required to issue Vargas said. a report within 30 days. • from 31 cents to 25 for beer; Zac Triemert, owner of an Omaha • from 95 cents to 90 for wine A Health and Human Services brewery, testified in support of the Committee amendment, adopted from non-farm wineries; bill. He said there has been a recent • from six cents to five for wine 42-0, would extend the reporting rise in “ready to drink” beverages that deadline to 60 days. The requirement from farm wineries; and are like a mixed drink in a can. It is a • from $3.75 to $3.50 for alco- could be extended to 90 days if DHHS market that Nebraska is missing out files an interim report by the 60-day holic spirits. on, he said. Vargas said the bill would allow deadline. “LB682 would create a whole new Cavanaugh said she introduced the breweries to hire more employees and viable business in Nebraska,” Triemert buy additional equipment. bill after learning that DHHS issued said. “Currently, Nebraska is collect- no reports regarding allegations of “We’ve seen that we’re not as com- ing very few dollars from spirits-based petitive as we can be in Nebraska when sexual abuse at licensed group home RTDs and I’d like to change that.” facilities from 2013 to 2016. it comes to excise taxes,” he said. Omaha pastor Portia Cavitt testi- Lindsey Clements, owner of a “Furthermore, there were no re- fied against the bill. She said the cords of investigations even being brewery in Omaha, testified in sup- negative consequences of increased port of the bill. She said reducing conducted,” Cavanaugh said. “We drinking far outweigh any gains from owe it to our children to take these al- taxes would help her business grow. lower taxes. Omaha-based breweries must compete legations seriously and to ensure we’re The committee took no immediate holding everyone [who is] responsible with nearby Iowa businesses that are action on either bill. paying 12-cents less per gallon of beer accountable.” in excise tax, she said. Omaha Sen. Sara Howard sup-

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 9 March 25 - 28, 2019

ported the bill, saying that response Hunt said removing eligibility for added to the Medicaid Preferred Drug times to complaints have been slow. individuals with convictions for dis- List under a bill considered March 28 “What we were seeing were inves- tribution was a compromise that she by the Health and Human Services tigations that didn’t come for several was willing to make in order to gain Committee. months, or maybe a year,” Howard said. support for the proposal. The list was established by the Leg- “This gives them a very clear timeline.” “A person under this amendment islature in 2008 and contains several Lawmakers advanced the bill to would be ineligible for SNAP—would classes of drugs administered by a select file on a 42-0 vote. not be able to get it—if they have committee which, in conjunction with three or more felony convictions for the state Department of Health and Cloture attempt on SNAP possession or use or if they have been Human Services, determines the best eligibility change fails convicted of a felony for distribution,” and most cost-effective medications on Hunt said. “This is a much more the market for inclusion. Senators rejected an attempt March conservative [version] than the bill I Bayard Sen. Steve Erdman, spon- 27 to force a first-round vote on a bill originally brought.” sor of LB245, said that would remove a lifetime ban on Omaha Sen. Sara Howard support- the bill would save food assistance eligibility for individu- ed the bill and the amendment. Drug the state $2.3 mil- als with past drug felonies. treatment is a condition of parole and lion by allowing Under current state law, an indi- probation, she said, and the amended generic versions of vidual is ineligible for SNAP benefits bill would allow those services to be medications in the in Nebraska if he or she has three or tailored to an individual’s needs. three categories to more felony convictions for the posses- “I think if people are sick and there be included on the Sen. Steve Erdman sion or use of a controlled substance or is something we can do to help them, list. The bill would not prevent a doc- has been convicted of a felony involving and it doesn’t cost us anything … why tor from prescribing a brand-name the sale, distribution—or intent to sell wouldn’t we help them?” Howard said. medication, he said. or distribute—a controlled substance. Kearney Sen. John Lowe opposed “The [federal] Office of Generic A person with one or two felony the bill. He said there is plenty of work Drugs follows a rigorous review to convictions for possession or use of in Nebraska for individuals who return make sure they do the following: have a controlled substance is eligible only from prison and that former drug felons the same active ingredient, have the if he or she is participating in or has who dedicate themselves can turn their same strength and use the same dos- completed a state-licensed or nationally lives around without the state “suppress- age,” Erdman said. accredited substance abuse treatment ing” them with government benefits. Carisa Schweitzer Masek, phar- program since the date of conviction. “Your actions and your behaviors macy director for the DHHS Division As introduced, LB169, sponsored cause consequences,” Lowe said. of Medicaid and Long-Term Care, by Omaha Sen. , would After six hours of debate spanning testified in support of the bill. She remove that ban several days, Hunt filed a motion to said that since the list’s creation, and would apply invoke cloture, or cease debate and many generic drugs in the three classes the treatment re- vote on the bill. The motion failed covered under LB245 have become quirement to indi- on a vote of 28-16. Thirty-three votes available, and now the majority of viduals with three were needed. patients begin their treatment with a or more possession A failed cloture motion results in generic medication. or use convictions. debate on a bill ceasing for the day. Schweitzer Masek said that one- Hunt offered Sen. Megan Hunt LB169 is unlikely to be placed on the third of the state’s Medicaid drug an amendment that would limit the agenda again this session. expenses are for medications in these bill further to include only individuals three classes. with one or two convictions for posses- Bill would expand Medicaid “[The bill] would lessen the admin- sion or use who have completed their preferred drug list istrative burden on providers, reduce sentence and either have completed or burdens on recipients, not negatively are serving a term of parole, probation Antidepressant, antipsychotic and affect care and protect taxpayers,” or post-release supervision. anticonvulsant medication would be she said.

PAGE 10 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 25 - 28, 2019

Psychiatrist Beth Ann Brooks testi- cal Association Ethical Principles of are allowed to follow our current code fied in opposition to LB245 on behalf Psychologists and Code of Conduct. of ethics,” Wall said. of the Nebraska Psychiatric Associa- The bill also would: Terry Werner, director of the Ne- tion and several other health provider • prevent a psychologist from ac- braska chapter of the National Asso- organizations, saying it could decrease cepting a professional role that ciation of Social Workers, also testified the quality of patient care. It is impos- is outside his or her scope of in support. Werner said the impasse sible to predict how a patient will react competence; has prevented his organization from to a particular antipsychotic drug, she • prevent a psychologist from ac- changing its regulations. said, and cost considerations should cepting a professional role in “To have gone on like this since not be a primary prescribing factor. which he or she has a conflict 2007 is an atrocity,” Werner said. “When psychiatric practitioners of interest that could adversely Also testifying in support of the bill are forced into a normal formulary, affect services provided; and was psychologist Mary Fran Flood. She less than optimal care can result in • require a psychologist who is said 88 of the state’s 93 counties have increased costs incurred from higher unable to provide professional a shortage of psychologists and LB499 levels of care, including hospitaliza- service to make a referral while would help attract and retain them. tions,” Brooks said. accounting for a patient’s needs Tom Venzor, director of the Ne- Bill Mueller also testified against in a manner that protects the braska Catholic Conference, testified LB245 on behalf of the Pharmaceuti- patient and the public. against the bill, saying it could cause cal Research and Manufacturers of Morfeld said he introduced the bill psychologists to stop practicing rather America. He said drugs in the three to end a 12-year disagreement between than violate their conscience. The bill categories should not be on the pre- the state Department of Health and also does not define a professional ferred drug list and doctors should Human Services and the Nebraska referral, he said. have complete control over which Psychological Association concerning “When a psychologist cannot pro- medications they are prescribing. whether psychologists and behavioral vide a service requested by a client, “To say that it makes it easier for health specialists should be required such as same-sex relationship counsel- providers, I don’t think is accurate,” to refer patients in a manner that ing or gender-transition therapy, the Mueller said. may contradict a provider’s religious question is: what standard of refer- The committee took no immediate beliefs. ral is required?” Venzor said. “The action on the bill. The most recent edition of the practitioner must have, at the least, American Psychological Association the ability to provide for an indirect, Adoption of psychology code Ethical Principles of Psychologists and general referral.” of conduct considered Code of Conduct prohibits discrimi- Darrell Klein, deputy director of nation on the basis of sexual orienta- the DHHS Division of Public Health, The Health and Human Services tion and gender identity, Morfeld said. also testified against the bill. He said Committee heard testimony March “It is time for the impasse to end,” LB499 would contradict existing law 27 on a bill that would redefine the Morfeld said. “It is critical for all by adding a protected class not recog- code of conduct for psychologists who health care professionals to follow nized in federal law. In addition, he practice in Nebraska. ethical considerations while serving said, some behavioral health practi- LB499, introduced by Sen. Adam Nebraskans, many at their most vul- tioners oversee other license holders, Morfeld of Lin- nerable.” such as alcohol and drug counselors. coln, would place Lori Wall of the Nebraska Psycho- “This bill would hold those indi- the new definition logical Association testified in support viduals to a code of conduct that it within the Psychol- of the bill. She said Nebraska’s exist- not in their professional license area,” ogy Practice Act. ing ethics code hasn’t been updated Klein said. The new code of since 1992. It includes a prohibition The committee took no immediate conduct would re- against discrimination on the basis of action on LB499. quire a psycholo- Sen. sexual orientation but not for gender gist or anyone he or she supervises to identity, she said. comply with the American Psychologi- “We are asking that psychologists

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 11 March 25 - 28, 2019

the Nebraska State Patrol would be of the Nebraska State Patrol, opposed reported to the Legislature’s Judiciary the bill. The definition of an agree- Committee and the Nebraska Com- ment with a federal agency is too mission on Law Enforcement and vague, Bolduc said, which could nega- Criminal Justice. tively impact local law enforcement’s Immigration enforcement Within 60 days of entering into an ability to carry out its regular duties. proposals considered agreement, the agency or jail would “We currently cooperate with feder- Members of the Judiciary Com- be required to provide a report to the al agencies on the issues of human traf- mittee heard testimony March 28 on commission including a written copy ficking, labor law violations, firearms, two proposals that would govern how of the agreement, notice to the politi- distribution of child pornography and Nebraska law enforcement agencies cal subdivision’s governing body and many other serious criminal matters,” enforce immigration policies. all records of public meetings held by he said. “Preventing us from quickly The director of U.S. Immigration the political subdivision about the collaborating with our federal law en- and Customs Enhancement currently agreement including any exhibits, forcement partners upon request for can delegate immigration enforce- testimony transcripts, statements assistance is not conducive to efficient ment functions to state and local law made by governing board members or enforcement of the law, nor is it con- enforcement officers who receive ap- recorded votes by members. ducive to keeping Nebraskans safe.” propriate training and operate under Schuyler Geery-Zink, representing The committee also heard testi- the supervision of ICE officers. Nebraska Appleseed, spoke in support mony on LB502, sponsored by Omaha LB369, sponsored by Omaha of LB369. She said the bill would help Sen. Megan Hunt. Sen. Tony Vargas, would require a local law enforcement reaffirm trust As introduced, it law enforcement with their communities, increase trans- would prohibit a agency or jail that parency and keep taxpayer costs down. peace officer or enters into such “When local law enforcement takes government em- an agreement with on the added burden of serving as ployee from asking any other public immigration agents, it affects us all a person about his Sen. Megan Hunt agency to investi- by undermining community polic- or her immigra- gate, interrogate, ing and the ability to protect public tion status, unless required by court detain, detect or Sen. Tony Vargas safety,” Geery-Zink said. “When some order, federal law or state law. arrest people for immigration enforce- members of the community fear con- People should not be afraid to ment purposes to provide written tacting police to report crimes or to engage with law enforcement because notification to the governing body of assist with investigations, the police of their citizenship status, Hunt said. its political subdivision at least 30 days can’t do their primary job of protect- “For the justice system to be effec- before entering into the agreement. ing public safety.” tive, courts must be accessible to all Vargas said that taxpayers have a Also supporting the bill was Rose members of the public, regardless of right to know how their tax dollars Godinez of the ACLU of Nebraska. their immigration status,” she said. are being spent, what they are being Dakota County currently is the only “When Nebraskans are afraid to call used for and if they are being spent Nebraska county to enter into an for help, go to court or report crimes to responsibly. agreement with ICE, she said, but law enforcement, public safety suffers.” “I believe this level of transparency communities there were not informed A peace officer or government with our local law enforcement agen- until three months after the applica- employee would not be prohibited cies is minimal and is the very least we tion, indicating a need for a more from knowing a person’s immigration should expect with cases of potentially open process. status as long as the information is vol- harmful policy changes,” he said. “LB369 ensures we continue Ne- untarily given and kept confidential, The subdivision would be required braska’s tradition of transparency, open unless disclosure is required by court to include the notice on the agenda government, citizen engagement and order, federal law or state law. for its next regularly scheduled public civilian oversight for important gov- Geery-Zink, again representing Ne- meeting to accept community feedback. ernmental functions,” Godinez said. braska Appleseed, supported LB502. Any agreement entered into by Col. John Bolduc, superintendent When people fear contacting police,

PAGE 12 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 25 - 28, 2019 health or other government officials, A Revenue Committee amend- Jet fuel tax increase proposed she said, it can create a harmful ripple ment, adopted 40-1, instead would effect through many spheres of com- add such structures or facilities that The Revenue Committee heard tes- munity health and safety. are owned by a political subdivision timony March 27 on a bill that would “We support LB502 because it or the public power industry to the raise the tax on aviation jet fuel sold would promote keeping families to- definition of real property to achieve in Nebraska. gether and increase trust in local law the same end. Fremont Sen. Lynne Walz, spon- enforcement and other government The amendment would retain sor of LB440, said agencies, improve public safety, public a provision in the original bill that the tax on jet fuel health and law enforcement for all,” would exclude from the definition of purchased for and she said. “gross receipts” charges from the lease used in aircraft Opposing the bill was Doug Kagan, or use of those structures or facilities, within the state speaking on behalf of Nebraska Tax- making those charges exempt from has not increased payers for Freedom. He said the bill state sales and use tax. since 1984. The would make Nebraska a “sanctuary” The state Department of Revenue bill would increase Sen. Lynne Walz for undocumented immigrants. has imposed sales and use tax on it from 3 cents to 10 cents per gallon. “Sanctuary policies inhibit law power poles and power lines in recent Walz said proceeds from that tax enforcement from identifying illegal years after determining that they are and the state tax on aviation gasoline— aliens and makes it more difficult to tangible personal property rather than currently 5 cents per gallon—go to the uncover criminal activity,” Kagan said. real property, Lindstrom said, chang- Aeronautics Cash Fund, which funds The committee took no immediate ing an interpretation of state law it the operation of the state Department action on either bill. has used for the past several decades. of Transportation’s Division of Aero- Currently, public power entities nautics. The division uses a portion must pass that additional tax on to of those funds to support the state’s consumers through increased rates, general aviation airports, she said, he said, and LB218 is needed to clarify which are vital to Nebraska’s economy. that such items are not subject to state The division estimates that LB440 Sales tax exemption for certain sales and use tax. would increase revenue to the Aero- public power equipment Elkhorn Sen. nautics Cash Fund by $1.5 million in advanced supported the bill as amended, saying fiscal year 2020-21 and $3.6 million the Legislature alone should decide in FY2021-22. Power poles and power lines owned what is or is not taxed. Geary Combs, chairman of the by a city or public power entity would “I don’t think we want to get in the Blair Airport Authority, testified in be exempt from state sales and use tax business of letting the departments support of the bill, saying it would under a bill advanced from general file change the rules in the middle of increase revenue for much needed March 25. the game without any input from the infrastructure improvements at the As introduced by Omaha Sen. Legislature,” she said. state’s 80 general aviation airports. Brett Lindstrom, LB218 would ex- Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte State grants for airport improvement clude electric gen- opposed the amendment and the bill. projects have been cut in recent years, eration, transmis- Although public power entities pay a he said, and those grants may total sion, distribution portion of their gross revenue to the only $100,000 this year. and street lighting state in lieu of taxes, he said, they “Today, with virtually no funding structures or fa- also should pay the sales tax imposed available from the state, the burden of cilities owned by under the department’s current inter- improving the airport falls fully on ... a political subdivi- pretation of the law in order to further federal dollars and local property tax,” sion from the defi- Sen. Brett Lindstrom support public schools, infrastructure Combs said. nition of tangible personal property, and safety. Kyle Schneweis, director of the thereby making those items exempt Senators voted 38-1 to advance state Department of Transportation, from state sales and use tax. LB218 to select file. testified in opposition to LB440, say-

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 13 March 25 - 28, 2019 ing the proposed tax increase is not of Airport Officials board member, Innovation Act, the Job Training warranted. gave neutral testimony on LB440. Ac- Cash Fund and the Site and Building Schneweis said the state has not cording to 2015 and 2016 reports from Development Fund and are located in completed an aviation needs assess- the state Department of Aeronautics, an opportunity zone would be given ment since the early 2000s. The depart- now the Division of Aeronautics, priority consideration for funding. ment plans to update that study this Nebraska airports have delayed or Wayne said there are 44 areas in year or next year and also will prepare abandoned federal projects because Nebraska that would be eligible for a long-range plan that will examine reduced state funding has prevented consideration under the bill. aviation within the context of the entire them from financing a 10 percent “LB87 is designed to further en- transportation system, he said. match required to receive certain courage investment in these areas,” “Before we make policy decisions federal funds, he said. Wayne said. like this,” Schneweis said, “it’s impor- This has led to a deterioration of Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte tant to understand what the needs of airport systems and an increased need said he supported the bill, particularly aviation are.” for reconstruction due to the delay of because preferences would be given in John Heimlich, vice president rehabilitation projects, according to all three of the state’s congressional and chief economist at Airlines for the reports. Between 2010 and 2018, districts. America, also testified in opposition Large said, more than $18 million in “If all bills had that there’d be a lot to the bill, saying it would cost the federal funds allocated to Nebraska more bipartisanship,” Groene said. airline industry an additional $4.7 mil- airports expired because those airports Senators advanced LB87 on a 32-0 lion per year. He said this would force could not meet the 10 percent match. vote. g airlines to raise airfares and reduce ser- The committee took no immediate vice growth at a time when Nebraska action on the bill. is trying to grow its economy. Unicameral Update Heimlich said the state’s com- in your inbox mercial and general aviation airports Readers can sign up to receive received approximately $33.9 million email updates by entering an in federal grants in 2017 and another email address on $29.6 million in 2018. Airline cargo, Update.Legislature.ne.gov. Opportunity zone preferences ticket and fuel taxes fund those grants, given first-round approval he said. “We are proud to serve big and Senators advanced a bill from small communities and proud to pay general file March 27 designed to re- user fees at all those airports to sup- juvenate economically disadvantaged port them,” Heimlich said. “What areas. we’re loath to do is subsidize airports LB87, introduced by Omaha Sen. that we don’t use.” Justin Wayne, would require that the Sarah Curry, policy director for the state Department Platte Institute, also testified in opposi- of Economic De- tion. Many transcontinental flights land velopment provide at Midwest airports to refuel, she said, a preference for and LB440 would put Nebraska at a grant applications disadvantage to neighboring states such at least partially as Kansas that have lower jet fuel taxes. located within an Curry said most states exempt jet opportunity zone Sen. Justin Wayne fuel from sales tax and 16 states tax as designated by the federal Tax Cuts private jet fuel purchases but exempt and Jobs Act. commercial jet fuel to avoid taxing a Projects that meet the program business input. requirements for the Affordable Jon Large, a Nebraska Association Housing Trust Fund, the Business

PAGE 14 • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • 106TH LEGISLATURE March 25 - 28, 2019 Senator Contact Info

Sen. Sen. Robert Clements Sen. Ben Hansen Sen. Sen. Thurston, District 17 Elmwood, District 2 Blair, District 16 Omaha, District 12 Grand Island, District 35 Room 1404 8th Floor 11th Floor Room 1202 Room 1406 (402) 471-2716 (402) 471-2613 (402) 471-2728 (402) 471-2623 (402) 471-2617 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist17 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist02 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist16 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist12 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist35

Sen. John Arch Sen. Sen. Sen. Brett Lindstrom Sen. Jim Scheer La Vista, District 14 Bellevue, District 45 Lincoln, District 26 Omaha, District 18 Norfolk, District 19 8th Floor Room 1012 Room 2011 Room 2015 Room 2010 (402) 471-2730 (402) 471-2615 (402) 471-2610 (402) 471-2618 (402) 471-2929 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist14 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist45 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist26 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist18 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist19

Sen. Sen. Wendy DeBoer Sen. Mike Hilgers Sen. Lou Ann Linehan Sen. Bellevue, District 3 Bennington, District 10 Lincoln, District 21 Elkhorn, District 39 Peru, District 1 Room 1021 11th Floor Room 2000 Room 1305 11th Floor (402) 471-2627 (402) 471-2718 (402) 471-2673 (402) 471-2885 (402) 471-2733 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist03 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist10 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist21 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist39 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist01

Sen. Kate Bolz Sen. Myron Dorn Sen. Sen. John Lowe Sen. John Stinner Lincoln, District 29 Adams, District 30 Omaha, District 4 Kearney, District 37 Gering, District 48 Room 1015 Room 1208 13th Floor 12th Floor Room 1004 (402) 471-2734 (402) 471-2620 (402) 471-2621 (402) 471-2726 (402) 471-2802 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist29 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist30 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist04 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist37 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist48

Sen. Sen. Steve Erdman Sen. Sara Howard Sen. John McCollister Sen. Tony Vargas Brainard, District 23 Bayard, District 47 Omaha, District 9 Omaha, District 20 Omaha, District 7 8th Floor 12th Floor Room 1402 Room 1017 Room 1000 (402) 471-2719 (402) 471-2616 (402) 471-2723 (402) 471-2622 (402) 471-2721 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist23 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist47 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist09 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist20 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist07

Sen. Tom Brandt Sen. Sen. Dan Hughes Sen. Mike McDonnell Sen. Lynne Walz Plymouth, District 32 Henderson, District 34 Venango, District 44 Omaha, District 5 Fremont, District 15 12th Floor Room 1308 Room 1210 13th Floor Room 1403 (402) 471-2711 (402) 471-2630 (402) 471-2805 (402) 471-2710 (402) 471-2625 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist32 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist34 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist44 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist05 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist15

Sen. Sen. Sen. Megan Hunt Sen. Adam Morfeld Sen. Justin Wayne Gordon, District 43 Lincoln, District 25 Omaha, District 8 Lincoln, District 46 Omaha, District 13 Room 1423 12th Floor 11th Floor Room 1008 Room 1212 (402) 471-2628 (402) 471-2731 (402) 471-2722 (402) 471-2720 (402) 471-2727 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist43 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist25 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist08 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist46 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist13

Sen. Tom Briese Sen. Tim Gragert Sen. Sen. Mike Moser Sen. Matt Williams Albion, District 41 Creighton, District 40 Omaha, District 31 Columbus, District 22 Gothenburg, District 36 Room 1019 11th Floor Room 1018 12th Floor Room 1401 (402) 471-2631 (402) 471-2801 (402) 471-2327 (402) 471-2715 (402) 471-2642 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist41 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist40 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist31 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist22 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist36

Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh Sen. Mike Groene Sen. Sen. Dave Murman Sen. Omaha, District 6 North Platte, District 42 Seward, District 24 Glenvil, District 38 Lincoln, District 27 11th Floor Room 1306 Room 2004 12th Floor 8th Floor (402) 471-2714 (402) 471-2729 (402) 471-2756 (402) 471-2732 (402) 471-2632 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist06 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist42 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist24 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist38 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist27

Sen. Sen. Sen. Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks Omaha, District 11 Hastings, District 33 Gretna, District 49 Lincoln, District 28 Room 1302 Room 1022 Room 1206 Room 1016 (402) 471-2612 (402) 471-2712 (402) 471-2725 (402) 471-2633 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist11 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] news.legislature.ne.gov/dist33 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist49 news.legislature.ne.gov/dist28

106TH LEGISLATURE • UNICAMERAL UPDATE • PAGE 15 Unicameral Information Office PRESRT STD Nebraska Legislature U.S. POSTAGE PAID P.O. Box 94604 LINCOLN, NE Lincoln, NE 68509 PERMIT NO. 212 03-23-05

Each year, thousands of students from across Nebraska have the opportunity to tour the State Capitol and observe the Legislature.